The rapprochement between Morocco and Israel is entering a new phase, with the two countries planning to open full embassies in each other’s capitals. The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in New York, under US auspices. Morocco and Israel restored diplomatic relations in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, but their diplomatic missions have so far operated as liaison offices.
No date has yet been announced for the opening of the new embassies.
The move is expected to go beyond symbolism. The three countries said new air links between Morocco and Israel are expected to be launched before the end of the year, while new economic agreements are also planned, particularly in technology and security.
A new phase after a period of slowdown
The decision marks a renewed push in bilateral relations, which had slowed significantly following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.
According to Kader Abderrahim, a lecturer at Sciences Po, the diplomatic upgrade reflects the Moroccan government’s intention to strengthen its ties with Israel.
For Rabat, the relationship is also closely linked to its broader foreign-policy strategy and its ties with Washington, particularly over the Western Sahara dispute.
In their joint statement, Washington and Tel Aviv reiterated their recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Morocco and disputed by the Polisario Front.
Strategic interests on both sides
For Morocco, closer relations with Israel form part of a wider diplomatic strategy, while Israel sees Morocco as a significant partner in the Maghreb.
Abderrahim also describes Morocco as an Arab country with influence extending into both Africa and the Mediterranean, giving the relationship a broader regional dimension.
The partnership, however, remains controversial inside Morocco.
Since the outbreak of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, the normalisation process has faced growing public opposition. Dozens of demonstrations have been held across the country, with thousands of people calling for the cancellation of the agreement with Israel.
Despite the domestic criticism, Washington, Rabat and Tel Aviv said in their joint statement that they continue to believe that establishing “diplomatic, friendly and peaceful relations” between Morocco and Israel serves the common interests of both countries.
The planned embassies, new air connections and economic agreements could therefore give the relationship a more permanent institutional and commercial framework, while its political implications are likely to remain closely watched in Morocco and across the region.
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