Morocco and Israel: Agreement to Upgrade Diplomatic Representation to Embassies

Morocco and Israel, with the participation of the United States, agreed to upgrade their diplomatic representation from two liaison offices to two full embassies with an exchange of ambassadors, during a tripartite meeting held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the headquarters of the US Mission to the United Nations in New York, on the sidelines of the current session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting included Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans living abroad Nasser Bourita, his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa 'ar, and the US Ambassador to the United Nations United Mike Waltz. What was agreed upon? In addition to announcing the lifting of diplomatic representation, the two parties agreed to resume direct flights between the two countries in the coming weeks, provided that these flights include Royal Air Maroc. The two sides also committed to finalizing the negotiation of two agreements related to the protection of investments and the avoidance of double taxation before the end of 2026, with the aim of facilitating trade and financial exchange between the two countries. It was also agreed to organize reciprocal visits of high-ranking officials. Especially in the economic field, accompanied by delegations of businessmen. During the meeting, Bourita stressed that strengthening relations with Israel does not change Morocco's firm position in support of the two-state solution and the rights of the Palestinian people. The backdrop of modern diplomatic relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv dates back to December 2020, when Morocco announced the resumption of its official contacts with Israel and the opening of two liaison offices between the two countries, in parallel with the United States' recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara. Since that date, relationships have been managed across two liaison offices without reaching the full level of diplomatic representation. Why does this development matter? The transformation of the two liaison offices into two full embassies, if realized, constitutes an important symbolic and political step towards a comprehensive normalization between the two countries, and opens the door to enhancing economic, security and diplomatic cooperation. However, the tripartite statement has not yet specified an exact date for the opening of the embassies or the appointment of the ambassadors, while the resumption of direct flights, expected in the coming weeks, remains the first practical and concrete indication of this The New Convergence.