Israeli Recognition in the Moroccan Sahara, According to Yanja, Is a Significant Political Victory

On Jul 17, 2023

El Khattat Yanja, president of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, described the State of Israel’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara as a “important diplomatic victory” with significant political and economic implications for all of the Kingdom’s southern provinces.

Yanja said in a statement to MAP that the recognition was “an extremely important event with great political significance and economic repercussions,” adding that it is a part of the momentum of support by nations all over the world for Morocco’s efforts to find a permanent resolution to the Sahara issue.

The State of Israel has strong ties with many nations and global powers, including the United States, Germany, and Spain, Yanja continued, highlighting how this decision “greatly strengthens Morocco’s position internationally.” Tel Aviv will use its strong ties with many nations to further support Morocco’s territorial integrity, he added.

The Regional Council’s President added that this Israeli stance is “another blatant setback” and a “crushing blow to separatist theses,” noting that it cannot be separated from a string of international declarations that the Moroccan autonomy plan remains the only viable option for resolving the fabricated conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.

He added that the upcoming opening of an Israeli consulate in Dakhla is a “decisive turning point in the recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces” and a significant choice that will probably strengthen the region’s position as an economic entryway to sub-Saharan Africa.

“As elected officials and representatives of the residents of the city of Dakhla, we warmly welcome this important decision by the State of Israel and consider it highly commendable,” as it supports Morocco in its legitimate rights over its Sahara and opens up new investment and development prospects for all of Morocco’s southern provinces, he concluded.

A statement released by the Royal Office announced earlier in the day that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, had received a letter from the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, His Excellency Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, in which the Head of the Israeli Government brought to the Very High attention of His Majesty the King the decision of the State of Israel “to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara.”

In this regard, the Israeli Prime Minister stated that his country’s position “will be reflected in all relevant acts and documents of the Israeli Government.”

He further stressed that the decision “will be communicated to the United Nations, to regional and international organizations of which Israel is a member, and to all countries with which Israel maintains diplomatic relations.”

In a letter to the Sovereign, the Israeli Prime Minister stated that Israel is actively considering “the opening of a consulate in the city of Dakhla” as part of carrying out this State decision.