Full Breakdown
Israel and Morocco Upgrade Ties: Embassies, Ambassadors, and Economic Agreements
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Diplomatic Upgrade Agreement
On September 16, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz met in New York and issued a joint declaration. The parties agreed to elevate their liaison offices to full embassies, exchange ambassadors, and appoint permanent heads of mission in each capital. The declaration also set a deadline of the end of 2026 for concluding bilateral agreements on investment protection and the avoidance of double taxation.
Background & Context
Morocco first established low-level diplomatic contacts with Israel in 1994, suspended them in 2000, and restored relations in December 2020 under the U.S.–brokered Abraham Accords. The accords, originally signed by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, aim to normalise ties between Israel and Arab states. The September 16 meeting occurred a day after the sixth anniversary of the accords, underscoring Washington’s continued push to deepen the regional framework.
Timeline
- December 2020 – Morocco normalises relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
- October 7 2023 – Hamas-led attack leads Israel to suspend direct flights to Morocco.
- September 16 2024 – Trilateral summit in New York; agreement to open embassies, appoint ambassadors, expand flights, and finalize economic accords by end-2026.
Data & Statistics
- End-2026 deadline for investment-protection and double-taxation agreements.
- High-level visits scheduled for “the coming months” (no specific dates provided).
- Direct-flight expansion to include services operated by Moroccan airlines, with implementation expected “within weeks” for initial routes.
Official Statements & Responses
Why It Matters
Elevating missions to embassies formalises a six-year diplomatic trajectory and creates a legal framework for deeper economic cooperation. The investment-protection and tax-avoidance accords are intended to attract bilateral capital, while expanded air links aim to revive tourism that fell sharply after the October 2023 conflict. By reaffirming the Abraham Accords, the three governments signal a continued commitment to regional integration despite ongoing Middle-East tensions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The friendship between the Moroccan people and the Jewish people has deep roots and a glorious history,” — Gideon Sa’ar, foreign minister
- “The friendship between the Moroccan and Jewish peoples has deep roots and a rich history,” — Gideon Sa’ar, foreign minister
- “President Trump’s vision changed the Middle East,” — Gideon Sa’ar, foreign minister
- “Do you notice that even during that period of conflict, nobody dropped out? Nobody said, ‘Oh, gee, I’m going to drop out.’ Nobody,” — Donald Trump, US president
What’s Next
- Completion of the investment-protection and double-taxation agreements by the end of 2026.
- Appointment of ambassadors and opening of embassies in Jerusalem and Rabat in the coming months.
- Resumption of regular direct flights, including services by Moroccan carriers, expected “within weeks” of the agreement.
- Reciprocal high-level visits by senior officials of Israel and Morocco, timing to be announced.