Israel, Morocco Agree to Upgrade Diplomatic Ties

Gideon Sa'ar, Nasser Bourita and Mike Waltz held a trilateral meeting in New York on September 16, 2026. They agreed to elevate diplomatic missions to embassies and exchange ambassadors for the first time. A U.S. mission joint statement said establishment of full diplomatic, peaceful and friendly relations between Morocco and Israel is in the common interest of both countries and will advance the cause of peace. Sa'ar said: "The friendship between the Moroccan people and the Jewish people has deep roots and a glorious history." He said: "The declaration we signed today sets out practical ways to deepen relations between Israel and Morocco for the benefit of both peoples, and we will work to implement it." They also agreed to conclude investment-protection and double-taxation agreements by the end of 2026 and reinstate direct flights by Israeli and Moroccan airlines. Sa'ar expected flights to start within weeks. Royal Air Maroc suspended Casablanca-Tel Aviv service after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack; Israeli carriers offer seasonal Marrakech flights but none regularly to Rabat or Casablanca. Reciprocal high-level visits are planned. Talks followed Waltz's Abraham Accords sixth-anniversary event. Ties began in December 2020 under the Accords. What is contested: Morocco had not independently confirmed the diplomatic upgrade in all reporting at the time. Israel recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in July 2023.