Israel and Morocco agree to upgrade diplomatic ties and open embassies in landmark normalisation deal

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Israel and Morocco have agreed to elevate their liaison offices to full embassies and exchange ambassadors for the first time. The deal emerged from a trilateral meeting in New York with US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, six years after the Abraham Accords were signed. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said direct flights between the two countries could begin within weeks, with Moroccan carriers launching new routes.

The agreement also commits both nations to completing investment protection and double taxation treaties by the end of 2026.

Waltz declared the Abraham Accords 'stronger and growing' despite predictions that Arab nations would distance themselves from Israel.

Morocco formally recognised Israel in 2020 under the Accords; Israel in turn recognised Morocco's sovereignty claim over Western Sahara in 2023.