Full Breakdown
Israel and Morocco Agree to Upgrade Diplomatic Ties to Full Embassies
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Core Agreement in New York
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 announced that Israel and Morocco will elevate their liaison offices to full embassies and appoint ambassadors. They also pledged to finalize investment-protection and double-taxation agreements by the end of 2026, to expand direct air services, and to conduct reciprocal high-level visits in the coming months.
Background & Context
Morocco restored diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under the U.S.–brokered Abraham Accords. Since then Israel has operated a liaison office in Rabat. The 2020 declaration called for direct flights and expanded economic cooperation, but progress slowed after the 2023 Gaza war, which sparked protests in Morocco.
Timeline
- 2020 – Morocco and Israel re-establish diplomatic relations.
- September 16, 2026 – Trilateral meeting in New York results in the embassy upgrade agreement.
- By end of 2026 – Target date for concluding the investment-protection and double-taxation agreements.
- Within weeks – Moroccan airline flights to Israel are expected to begin, according to Sa’ar’s office.
Data & Statistics
- Trade growth: U.S. Ambassador Waltz said trade between Israel and Morocco has increased by 500 % since the 2020 normalization.
Official Statements & Responses
- Sa’ar emphasized the historic depth of Moroccan-Jewish friendship and pledged swift implementation of the flight arrangements.
- Waltz described the agreement as proof that the Abraham Accords have “withstood every test” and said the partnership will expand cooperation in security, trade and regional integration.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the timetable for resuming direct flights: Sa’ar’s office indicated flights could start “within weeks,” while other outlets report the expanded service is slated for “by the end of 2026.” No definitive date has been given for the opening of the embassies.
Verbatim Quote
- “The friendship between the Moroccan people and the Jewish people has deep roots and a glorious history. The declaration we signed today outlines practical ways to upgrade ties between Israel and Morocco for the benefit of both peoples, and we will work diligently to implement it,” — Gideon Sa’ar, Israeli foreign minister
Why It Matters
The embassy upgrade marks the highest diplomatic level between the two countries since 2020, facilitating higher-level political dialogue, streamlined consular services, and greater private investment. Expanded air links and the pending economic accords aim to boost tourism, trade and joint projects in agriculture, technology and energy. Observers note that the deal tests the durability of the broader normalization framework amid ongoing regional tensions.