Benjamin Netanyahu Displays a Morocco Map Omitting the Sahara

In a recent televised appearance on LCI on Thursday, May 30, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displayed a map of the Arab world in which Morocco appeared without its Saharan provinces. This incident has prompted critics of the Kingdom to resurface their vitriolic narratives, falsely associating Morocco's decision to restore diplomatic relations with Israel with the latter's recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara region. However, it is crucial to remind these detractors that Morocco has never compromised on the Palestinian cause, which, along with the national cause, remains the focal point of its diplomatic efforts.

Netanyahu's recurrence in displaying a truncated map of Morocco, omitting the Saharan provinces, raises questions about his intentions. Is it a deliberate act to express his frustration over the Moroccan public's widespread mobilization across the Kingdom to protest against Israel's actions in Gaza and the official condemnations of this war against civilians? Or is it merely an act of ignorance? While the motivations remain unclear, Morocco's critics have swiftly seized this opportunity to reiterate their discourse, suggesting that "Morocco normalized relations with a genocidal state in exchange for the recognition of the Sahara, without obtaining any tangible results."

These critics, however, conveniently overlook the numerous speeches delivered by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in which he has consistently reaffirmed that Morocco will never compromise on the Palestinian cause and that the Kingdom's position regarding Palestine remains unchanged and unwavering.

The restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel does not undermine the defense of the rights of the Palestinian people. "Despite the restoration of diplomatic relations, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has reaffirmed Morocco's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. The King, as the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has consistently supported the struggle for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. This position is rooted in a long tradition of solidarity with the Palestinian people and the defense of the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem," recalls Yassine El Yattioui, the Secretary-General of the Moroccan Center for Research on Globalization "NejMaroc."

In its communiqué of December 22, 2020, the Royal Cabinet clearly stipulated that the restoration of diplomatic relations does not impact Morocco's position on the Palestinian cause. It emphasized that the Kingdom will continue to advocate for a two-state solution, ensuring that the rights of the Palestinians are protected and respected, El Yattioui further notes.

Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Moroccan diplomacy has always accorded paramount importance to the defense of the Palestinian cause. "As the Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, the Sovereign has consistently reaffirmed Morocco's commitment to a two-state solution, with the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, with East Jerusalem as its capital," emphasizes the expert in international relations.

The Al-Quds Committee, established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), is tasked with protecting the sacred character of the city of Jerusalem and defending the rights of the Palestinians. "Under the perpetual chairmanship of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as Morocco is the oldest Arab-Muslim state in the world, this committee has intensified its efforts to raise international awareness of the challenges faced by the Palestinians and to promote peace and stability in the region," indicates El Yattioui, adding that "Morocco continues to advocate for the protection of Islamic religious sites in Jerusalem and for the respect of the rights of the Palestinians."

Furthermore, the Secretary-General of NejMaroc affirms that "the presentation of a map omitting the Saharan provinces by Benjamin Netanyahu is perceived as an encroachment on Moroccan sovereignty."

In recent months, he recalls, the Sovereign and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have maintained a clear diplomatic stance: defending the Palestinian cause and the suffering Palestinian people, who are victims of numerous war crimes. "This political line is also materialized in the streets of the Kingdom (mainly Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier), where the Moroccan people, especially the youth, systematically gather to proclaim their support for the Palestinian people," El Yattioui adds, emphasizing that "Morocco is a state with a strong, unwavering diplomacy that will never yield to the blackmail of Israeli delegations."

"The Kingdom is far stronger and more legitimate than that. This is why the Cherifian Kingdom is a viable, respected, and listened-to actor among international bodies and major diplomatic players worldwide," concludes the expert in international relations.