Report: Morocco delaying Tel Aviv embassy until Israel backs Western Sahara claim

Moroccan officials are reportedly pressuring Israel to recognize its control of Western Sahara and may be holding off on opening a full embassy in Tel Aviv until the request is met.

Axios, citing four current and former Israeli officials, reports that Rabat has brought up the issue repeatedly in meetings in recent months.

While some Israeli politicians have supported Morocco’s claims in public statements, the Foreign Ministry maintains a more nuanced position.

Morocco agreed to normalize ties with Israel as part of a 2020 deal that also saw the US recognize its sovereignty over Western Sahara, where the Polisario Front has fought an insurgency for independence.

According to the report, Israel has refused to accede to Rabat’s demands, which officials believe is being used by Morocco to justify its foot-dragging on the embassy opening.