Morocco demanded from Israel to recognize its sovereignty over the controversial territory of Western Sahara before Rabat opened the embassy in Tel Aviv, reports the Axios publication with reference to four existing and former Israeli officials involved in this issue.
For several decades, Morocco has been arguing with the supported by Algeria Front Polisario (the People’s Front of the Liberation of Segite-Hamra and Rio de Roro), a movement striving to create an independent state in Western Sahara.
Morocco for many years maintained unofficial ties with Israel. Two countries established diplomatic relations at a low level in the 1990s after Israel concluded temporary peace agreements with the Palestinians, but these ties were suspended after the start of the second intifada in 2000. In December 2020, Morocco and Israel agreed to normalize relations within the framework of a transaction concluded through the mediation of the United States. In accordance with the agreement, Morocco stated that he would establish complete diplomatic relations and resume official contacts with Israel, open the sky for the flights of Israeli airlines, and also allow direct flights to Israel and from Israel.