Israel Recognizes Western Sahara as Part of Morocco

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The Facts

  • Israel has recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, the Moroccan government and a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said on Monday, joining the US as the only two countries to recognize Morocco's territorial claims to Western Sahara.

  • The announcement from Morocco's royal palace confirmed an earlier statement from the government, which said that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu had communicated his country's new stance in a letter to King Mohammed VI. The statement also said that Israel was considering opening a consulate in Dakhla.

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Following Washington's lead, Israel is going through with the upgrading of its diplomatic ties with Rabat by recognizing Morocco's claim of sovereignty over the Western Sahara. The move will eventually lead to the opening of official embassies and a possible future free-trade pact — developments that would help bring stability to the region.

Haaretz.com

Establishment-critical narrative

The UN doesn't recognize Moroccan control over Western Sahara as the territory is considered a "non-self-governing territory," but it hasn't yet lived up to its long-promised referendum, which would establish the territory's status. Morocco controls more than three-quarters of Western Sahara and doesn't allow any pro-independence opposition of any form. Under international law, Morocco has no authority over Western Sahara.

Freedom House

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