Israel and Morocco Elevate Diplomatic Ties, Discussing Regional Security Amid Houthi Threats

Israel and Morocco announced Wednesday they would upgrade their diplomatic missions to full embassies and exchange ambassadors, a significant advancement of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. The agreement was finalized during a trilateral meeting in New York attended by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

This development marks a deepening of ties nearly six years after Morocco joined the normalization initiative. The original Abraham Accords were signed by Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain in September 2020. Morocco followed with a separate joint declaration in December 2020, which committed the countries to enhancing diplomatic relations, direct flights, and economic cooperation.

The recent agreement includes commitments to reinstate direct flights by both Israeli and Moroccan airlines before the end of 2026 and finalize agreements on investment protection and avoidance of double taxation. Cooperation is also set to expand across trade, finance, technology, tourism, water, agriculture, food security, energy, telecommunications, and regional security.

During discussions, the potential for further expansion of the Abraham Accords, particularly involving Saudi Arabia, was addressed. Ambassador Waltz highlighted the growing regional threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis, whose attacks on international shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait disrupt global trade. "The scourge of terrorism from them is unacceptable to the entire region," Waltz stated, calling the Houthis a proxy for the Iranian regime. He emphasized that "oceans, trade, and international waterways must remain open."

Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar underscored the importance of cooperation among nations with shared interests in light of threats in key waterways like the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz. "What’s happening in Bab al-Mandab, like what's happened in Strait of Hormuz, demonstrates the significance of all nations that want to respect freedom of navigation, world trade, and cooperate against this kind of modern piracy," Sa’ar said.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita shared insights into how Morocco leverages its relations with Israel to provide practical support for Palestinians. He noted that Morocco facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza during the recent conflict. Bourita argued that active engagement and initiatives, rather than just rhetoric, are crucial for promoting peace and stability in the region, even amidst policy differences. "I think it needs courage to contribute to peace," he stated.

The joint statement also reaffirmed U.S. and Israeli recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support for Morocco's autonomy proposal to resolve the territorial dispute.