This former Spanish colony is controlled for the most part by Morocco, but is claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria.
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Israel decided to “recognize the sovereignty of Morocco” in the disputed territory of Western Sahara, announced Monday, July 17, the royal cabinet in Rabat, citing a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is controlled for the most part by Morocco but claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria.
“By this letter, the Prime Minister of Israel has brought to the Very High Attention of His Majesty the King [Mohammed VI] the decision of the State of Israel to recognize the sovereignty of Morocco over the territory of Western Sahara”the Palace wrote in a statement.
Normalization of relations between Rabat and Jerusalem since the end of 2020
In his missive, Binyamin Netanyahu informed the sovereign that Israel was examining positively “the opening of a consulate in the city of Dakhla”, located in the part of Western Sahara controlled by the kingdom. In Jerusalem, requested by AFP, Benyamin Netanyahu’s office specified that“Israel confirms the details contained in the announcement” Moroccan authorities.
Morocco and Israel normalized diplomatic relations in December 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, a process between Israel and several Arab countries, backed by Washington. In return, Rabat had obtained from Washington the recognition of the “Moroccan sovereignty” over Western Sahara.