Morocco normalizes ties with Israel in US-brokered deal

On December 11, 2020, Morocco officially normalized its diplomatic relations with Israel in a landmark deal brokered by the United States. This agreement marked Morocco as the latest nation to join the growing list of countries establishing ties with Israel, following similar normalization agreements earlier in the year with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan. The deal included the reopening of liaison offices in both Tel Aviv and Rabat, with plans for full diplomatic relations and direct flights between the two nations. This normalization is part of the broader Abraham Accords initiative, which aims to promote peace and cooperation in the Middle East. Additionally, the agreement involved the United States recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara, a long-standing and contentious issue in the region. This diplomatic achievement was seen as a significant step forward for both Israel and Morocco, as well as a notable success for the US administration that facilitated the negotiations. The move is expected to enhance economic ties and foster greater stability in the region, reflecting a shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics.