Morocco-Israel ties advance discreetly despite Gaza war

Relations between Morocco and Israel are quietly progressing, as noted by Daniel Rouach, vice president and co-founder of the Morocco-Israel Chamber of Commerce.

Rouach cautioned against the swift pace of development following the restoration of ties on December 10, 2020, between Rabat and Tel Aviv. In an interview with an Israeli media outlet, he acknowledged the presence of «popular pressure in Morocco», with public opinion largely opposed to Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories. Nevertheless, this opposition has not hindered military and security cooperation between the two nations, bolstered by an agreement signed in Rabat in November 2021.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Rouach stated that Moroccan ministers assured him of the kingdom’s resolve to «not backtrack». «The Moroccans have honored the framework agreement with the Israelis. That is truly extraordinary», he emphasized.

Moroccan-born Daniel Rouach played a pivotal role in the launch of the Israel-Morocco Chamber of Commerce in January 2021, established to enhance bilateral economic relations.