Morocco latest country to normalise relations with Israel in US-brokered deal

Morocco has become the latest Arab country to agree to normalise relations with Israel in a deal brokered with US help. White House said, US President Donald Trump sealed the Israel-Morocco accord in a phone call with Morocco’s King Mohammed VI yesterday. As part of the deal, the US announced that it recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara territory.

Mr. Trump tweeted, another historic breakthrough! Our two great friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East.

According to a statement from Morocco’s royal court, King Mohammed told Mr Trump that Morocco intends to facilitate direct flights for Israeli tourists to and from Morocco.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the normalisation deal with Morocco as another great light of peace, saying there would be direct flights between the countries and the opening of diplomatic missions.

Under the agreement, Morocco will establish full diplomatic relations and resume official contacts with Israel, grant overflights and also direct flights to and from Israel for all Israelis.

Morocco is the fourth Arab country since August to strike a deal aimed at normalising relations with Israel after the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan.