The Moroccan Royal Palace announced in a statement today, Monday, that King Mohammed VI received a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "including the decision of the State of Israel to recognize Morocco's sovereignty over the territories of Western Sahara." The statement added that Netanyahu confirmed "that this position of his country will be reflected in all actions and documents of the Israeli government related to this matter."
Netanyahu emphasized that he will "inform the United Nations and regional and international organizations of which Israel is a member, as well as all countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel," about this decision. The statement mentioned that Israel is considering "opening a consulate in the city of Dakhla as part of this state's decision." The Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, demands an independent state in Western Sahara.
A senior government official told Reuters that Israel's position on Western Sahara is "clear," and comes within the framework of support for Morocco's position after Washington, Madrid, and other European capitals supported its autonomy plan for the region. He added that the Israeli recognition will not affect Morocco's "principles" in defending the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On another note, the Israeli army spokesperson, Avichai Adraee, announced the appointment of Brigadier General Sharon Itach as the first military attaché in Morocco, who will reside in Rabat and be responsible for developing and enhancing all security relations. Adraee pointed out that the military attaché comes from a Jewish family that lived in Morocco, speaks the Moroccan dialect, and will begin his duties in the coming months.
