US, Israel, and Morocco Deepen Ties in New Trilateral Agreement
The deal, building on the Abraham Accords, aims to bolster diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation.
The United States, Israel, and Morocco have agreed to deepen their diplomatic and economic ties through a new trilateral agreement. The deal, announced Wednesday, is designed to build upon the foundations laid by the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz, hosted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, in New York for the signing ceremony. The agreement outlines steps to upgrade diplomatic relations, reinstate direct flights, and expand collaboration across sectors including technology, security, agriculture, water management, energy, and telecommunications.
Waltz highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “Everyone said that the Arab nations would walk away from Israel, that the relationship would fray, and yet, as today has proven, it’s stronger and growing.” He emphasized that the strength of these normalizing agreements had been tested by recent regional conflicts, including the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
“It is incumbent on me and on the president to constantly remind people that the more the next generation across the Middle East is talking about business and roads, ports, rail, and data centers, the less they’re talking about generational grievances,” Waltz added, underscoring the agreement's role in shifting focus toward economic development.
Trade between Israel and Morocco has seen a substantial increase, jumping 500% since their relations were normalized in 2020. Waltz expressed confidence that the new agreement would further boost this growth. "That number will only grow," he predicted.
He further elaborated on the expected outcomes: “More Moroccans will travel to Israel, more Israelis will visit Morocco, many of them will visit ancient Jewish sites that Morocco has painstakingly preserved, more products and investments will flow between the two countries, businesses and families will have a stake in peace.” Waltz anticipated that the expanding ties might soon necessitate larger venues for future meetings.
Sa’ar described the agreement as providing “practical ways” to enhance bilateral ties and foster closer connections between the peoples of both nations through tourism and investment. He also commended the U.S. for its commitment to shaping a more positive future and acknowledged the deep historical connection between the Moroccan and Jewish peoples.
“We are excited to welcome more Moroccans to the Holy Land, to see Israel for themselves,” Sa’ar stated, adding that Israelis are equally eager to visit Morocco. The Israeli official also emphasized a shared responsibility among Muslims, Christians, and Jews to unite against extremist ideologies.
Bourita expressed hope that the spirit of the Abraham Accords, as exemplified by this new agreement, would contribute to advancing peace throughout the Middle East and support the pursuit of a two-state solution.