Morocco Faces Three-Day Protests Against Expanded Israel Ties

The Moroccan Front to Support Palestine and Against Normalization has called for nationwide protests from September 25-27 against Morocco's decision to upgrade diplomatic relations and expand cooperation with Israel. Moroccan media cited the organization's statement, urging its regional branches and affiliated movements to hold rallies and demonstrations throughout the three days. The protests are a response to the agreement between Israel and Morocco to elevate their respective diplomatic missions to embassies and appoint ambassadors. Opponents of normalization are also protesting planned expansions in air travel, economic and trade ties, and military and security cooperation.

The agreements were finalized on September 16 in New York during a meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, with U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz also present. The parties agreed to convert their current representative offices into full embassies and appoint ambassadors. Saar also indicated an agreement to expand direct flights, including those operated by Moroccan airlines, increase high-level visits, and finalize two economic agreements by the end of 2026. Waltz stated that the countries intend to enhance cooperation in security, trade, and regional integration.

The Moroccan Front to Support Palestine and Against Normalization characterized the new agreements as an "escalation of the normalization process," moving relations with Israel to a deeper level of institutional, economic, and diplomatic engagement. The organization contends that expanding ties with Israel contradicts the stance of a significant portion of Moroccan society, which supports the Palestinian cause. Morocco initially restored diplomatic relations with Israel in December 2020 as part of U.S.-brokered agreements.