On Thursday, Israel and Morroco agreed to normalize their relations. In another major policy shift related to this, Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara region has also been accepted by the United States. This agreement is another achievement in Donald Trump’s Mideast legacy and comes at a time when his tenure is just about to end.
Trump said Israel and Morroco will restore diplomatic ties. This will include the opening of liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv which will eventually be followed by opening of embassies.
For Morroco, it is a massive achievement as the U.S. have recognized their claim to Western Sahara, an international dispute for decades. This agreement is a continuation of the Arab World recognizing Israel under “Abraham Accords”
As Joe Biden prepares to take charge in a few weeks time it will be interesting to see what he makes of it as he has hinted towards a more traditional U.S. position with regards to Palestine and the atrocities done by Israel.
The analysts are of the view that this agreement is a huge blow for those who live in Western Sahara as they want a referendum to decide the future of this territory.
The White House said Trump and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI had agreed that Morocco would “resume diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel and expand economic and cultural co-operation to advance regional stability.”
President Donald Trump tweeted about this development.
The President said that Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States when it declared independence from Britain back in 1776.
“It is thus fitting we recognize their sovereignty over the Western Sahara,” Trump said.
This success is a direct result of talks done by the president’s senior adviser, Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz, chief international negotiator.
“It further enhances Israel’s security, while creating opportunities for Morocco and Israel to deepen their economic ties and improve the lives of their people,” Kushner said.
