Israel and Morocco Upgrade Diplomatic Relations Amid Regional Security Concerns

NEW YORK — Israel and Morocco agreed on September 16, 2026, to upgrade their diplomatic missions to full embassies and exchange ambassadors, nearly six years after Morocco joined the U.S.-brokered normalization drive that reshaped Israel’s relations with parts of the Arab world. The agreement was reached during a trilateral meeting in New York involving U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the Abraham Accords. The original accords were signed by Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain on September 15, 2020. Morocco subsequently signed a separate U.S.-Morocco-Israel Joint Declaration on December 22, 2020, restoring official contacts and committing to full diplomatic relations, direct flights, and expanded economic cooperation. Wednesday's agreement advances these commitments, with plans for full embassies, the reinstatement of direct flights by both Israeli and Moroccan airlines before the end of 2026, and finalizing agreements on investment protection and avoidance of double taxation. The countries also pledged to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade, finance, technology, tourism, water, agriculture, food security, energy, telecommunications, and regional security, as stated in a joint announcement. Additionally, the statement reaffirmed U.S. and Israeli recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support for Morocco's autonomy proposal regarding the territorial dispute. The discussion also touched on the potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the normalization framework. Waltz highlighted the regional threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis, emphasizing the need for cooperation against terrorism. He stated, "The scourge of terrorism from them is unacceptable to the entire region." The Houthis have made significant advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast, raising concerns for Saudi Arabia and increasing Iran's regional influence. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is crucial for global oil transport, carrying about 7% of the world's oil output. Houthi attacks have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels, leading to increased costs and transit times. Sa’ar noted that the threats in the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz illustrate the importance of cooperation among nations with shared interests. He expressed Israel's desire to expand the normalization framework. Bourita remarked that Morocco's experience shows that relations with Israel can provide Arab governments with practical tools to assist Palestinians. He cited Morocco's efforts to secure humanitarian assistance for Gaza during the conflict, arguing for proactive engagement rather than mere rhetoric. Bourita stated, "We don't agree with Israel 100%. Each one may have its policy," emphasizing that Morocco aims to promote peace and stability in the region. Waltz praised Morocco's humanitarian contributions and its role in postwar Gaza efforts, stating, "It is far more than just signing agreements or coming to ceremonies."