In the midst of the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territories, attention has shifted towards nations that have established normalization agreements with Israel, including Morocco.
Some have drawn historical parallels with Morocco’s prior decision to close the Israeli liaison office in Rabat during the Palestinian uprising of 2002. However, experts caution that the current context presents a markedly different set of circumstances.
Political analyst Mohamad Choukair has outlined that Morocco’s relationship with Israel has undergone substantial transformation since 2002. The Abraham Accords and other agreements have now bound Morocco in relations with Israel, rendering the prospect of severing ties practically implausible. Choucair underscores that Morocco has adroitly navigated a delicate equilibrium between its multifaceted dealings with Israel, encompassing military and economic cooperation, while concurrently upholding its commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Choucair anticipates that Morocco is more likely to adhere to its current approach, advocating for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, thereby avoiding the dramatic step of shuttering the liaison office or revisiting the Abraham Accord.
In a parallel vein, seasoned international relations expert El Moussaoui El Ajlaoui observes that recent developments within Israel, including the ascension of right-wing religious parties and escalating tensions in Jerusalem, have added to the prevailing complexities. El Ajlaoui underscores that the Palestinian issue remains deeply ingrained in Moroccan national sentiment, rendering drastic measures such as closing the liaison office less probable.
El Ajlaoui highlights Morocco’s unwavering historical stance on the Palestinian issue and underscores that the recent normalization agreements with Israel should be interpreted as a diplomatic signal to encourage a political solution and the establishment of a two-state solution.
He opines that Morocco, currently presiding over the Arab League Committee, will persist in its role as an advocate for the Palestinian cause, refraining from immediate action to close the Israeli liaison office.