contents
The USA under Trump clarified Morocco’s relations with Israel – to the detriment of the Saharawis.
The news came, as so often via Twitter, that December 2020. The then US President Trump informed the world that Morocco would establish “full diplomatic relations” with Israel. In return, the US recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. The former Spanish colony, where the Sahrawi people are fighting for self-determination, is largely controlled by Morocco – contrary to international law.
Reactions to Trump’s tweet ranged from outrage and anger to astonishment and triumph. It was undoubtedly a diplomatic success for Morocco: for the first time, the monarchy was able to win over an important international player in the conflict over Western Sahara, the United States. Western Sahara is the number one concern of Moroccan foreign policy.
Legend:
Since December 2020, Morocco and Israel have maintained full diplomatic relations.
AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy
At the same time, the reward was tolerable: relations with Israel had been good before, if not as open. With the “official” normalization, Rabat could now hope for further Israeli investments and innovations in various areas. In fact, Morocco and Israel have signed over 30 agreements and agreements since December 2020, according to the Middle East Institute in Washington.
Exchange good for Morocco
“There is a whole range of new economic relationships, especially in the area of agriculture, especially the supply of water. Israel has very advanced technologies in this regard. There is also the problem of drought in Morocco,” says Steffen Krüger from the German Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Rabat. “Furthermore, one must not forget that there are also exchanges in the areas of security, military and armaments from which Morocco benefits.”
After the USA, Israel is now also supplying the most modern weapons and technology to Morocco. As Israeli media reports, it is about drones and drone technology or spy software and a missile defense system. Military cooperation between the two states has gained in importance, as evidenced by the visits by high-ranking Israeli politicians and military officials over the past year and a half.
Foreign Minister Lapid was in Morocco, as was Defense Minister Gantz: in November 2021 he signed a security agreement that is intended, among other things, to provide for increased cooperation between the intelligence services and joint training. High-ranking Israeli officers, the interior minister, the Israeli chief of staff, and the chief of police followed.
In addition, Israeli observers took part in the military exercise “African Lion 2022” for the first time in June. It was led by Morocco and the USA.
Difficult relationship with neighbors
All of this also challenges Morocco’s neighbor and rival: Algeria. Algeria has always been hostile to Israel and supports the Sahrawi movement, the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara. The relationship between Algiers and Rabat has always been difficult.
Legend:
The Polisario Front – the military branch of the Sahrawi people – is fighting for Western Sahara’s independence from Morocco. Archive image 2011.
KEYSTONE/AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza
It is currently at a low point. There is diplomatic radio silence. Algeria plans to upgrade and more than double its defense spending next year. The Algerian military is said to have recently held a joint maneuver with partner Russia. And – hardly coincidentally – near the border with Morocco.