Algeria strongly criticized Israel's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara region on Thursday, stating that "this plan represents a new violation of international law." Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of its territory, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, seeks to establish an independent state there. In 2020, former U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the area in exchange for Morocco resuming diplomatic relations with Israel.
The Algerian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement, "This step is nothing more than a blatant deal that cannot under any circumstances legitimize the occupation of Sahrawi lands nor affect the rights of the Sahrawi people." Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in 2021, citing what it described as "hostile actions." Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated this year that relations between the two countries had reached a "point of no return."
The two countries, which share a long border, have been engaged in a bitter dispute over Western Sahara for decades. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated on Wednesday that the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara remains unchanged. Israel recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the contested region on Monday and is considering opening a consulate there.
