Israel Recognizes Moroccan Sovereignty over Western Sahara

(Patria) - Israel has decided to "recognize Morocco's sovereignty" over the disputed region of Western Sahara, the royal office in Rabat announced, citing a letter from the Israeli prime minister.

According to the letter, Benjamin Netanyahu informed Moroccan King Mohammed VI of "the decision of the State of Israel to recognize Morocco's sovereignty" over the mineral-rich desert region, the statement from the royal office said. In the letter, Netanyahu said that Israel is examining "the opening of a consulate in the city of Dakhla," located in the Moroccan part of Western Sahara, a move long demanded by Rabat.

Israel confirmed the content of the statement from Morocco, AFP reported. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said that Netanyahu's announcement would "strengthen relations between the states and peoples, as well as continued cooperation in strengthening peace and regional stability."

The dispute over Western Sahara dates back to 1975, when the colonial ruler Spain withdrew, sparking a fifteen-year war between Morocco and the Polisario Front movement seeking independence. Rabat controls nearly 80 percent of Western Sahara and views the entire region as its sovereign territory.

Amir Ohana, president of the Israeli parliament, paid an official visit to Rabat in early June and said that his country "should move towards" recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Ohana said that "serious talks" were underway between the countries on the issue and that Netanyahu would "announce his decisions in the near future."

According to the statement from the royal office on Monday, Netanyahu's letter states that Israel's decision will be forwarded to the United Nations, international organizations, and every country with which Israel has diplomatic relations.

Morocco and Israel normalized relations in December 2020 as part of a series of similar agreements with Arab states supported by the United States, known as the Abraham Accords. In exchange for normalization with Israel, Rabat received from Washington recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Israeli-Moroccan cooperation in the areas of security, trade, and tourism has since increased.