Israel Apologizes for Map Incident, Reaffirms Support for Moroccan Sovereignty Over Western Sahara
Israel has issued a formal apology following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent use of an outdated map that failed to include Western Sahara as part of Morocco. The incident occurred during an interview on the French channel LCI, where Netanyahu displayed a map delineating Western Sahara separately from Morocco. This oversight has sparked a significant media uproar, particularly in Moroccan outlets, and stirred considerable discussion on social networks.
In an effort to mitigate the diplomatic fallout, Israel reiterated its recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. This recognition was first established in 2023 under Netanyahu's leadership, following the historic normalization of relations between Israel and Morocco in December 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords. These accords, supported by the United States, marked a major milestone in diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel issued a heartfelt apology, emphasizing the incident was a mistake and reaffirming their stance on Moroccan sovereignty. Hassan Kaabaya, the Foreign Affairs spokesperson, conveyed a message on social media to Morocco's King Mohammed VI, expressing regret and underscoring the enduring relationship between the two nations. He emphasized that Israel's policy towards Western Sahara remains unchanged and that the map shown was an old version that did not reflect Israel's official stance.
The situation highlights the sensitivity surrounding Western Sahara, a territory largely controlled by Morocco but claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, with support from Algeria. This conflict has persisted for decades, with the Sahrawi people seeking a referendum for self-determination. In contrast, Morocco proposes an autonomy plan under its sovereignty, a stance increasingly supported by individual countries in Europe, though not universally recognized globally.
The incident comes as Netanyahu faces both internal and external criticisms, including comparisons he made between Israel's situation and historic trials, further fueling the controversy. Despite the apology and clarification, the diplomatic landscape remains complex, with ongoing debates over sovereignty and recognition in Western Sahara.
- The normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel has been a pivotal development in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The Abraham Accords, facilitated by the United States, not only improved bilateral relations but also included significant geopolitical shifts, such as the U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.
- The map incident underscores the importance of accurate representation in diplomatic contexts and the potential for misunderstandings to escalate tensions. Israel's swift response and acknowledgment of the error aim to preserve the positive trajectory of its relationship with Morocco.
- It is noteworthy that the Polisario Front, supported by Algeria, continues to seek independence for Western Sahara, in contrast to Morocco's autonomy proposal. This ongoing conflict remains a contentious issue in regional politics, affecting diplomatic relations across North Africa and beyond.
