How Israel and Morocco Outflanked Iran and the Arab Hardliners

The Abraham Accords marked a significant turning point in Middle Eastern and North

African geopolitics. This 2020 alliance formalized diplomatic relations between Morocco

and Israel and was facilitated in a significant way by the United States. Beyond

communicating broader messages of peace and coexistence, the Abraham Accords

provided the framework for strategic and economic collaboration between the two

countries as well. The effects of the relationship between Morocco and Israel extend

beyond the region, benefitting countries as far west as the United States. As Morocco

continues to find its footing as a regional power, this connection with Israel offers a

pathway to enhanced regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation, and broader civil

and cultural influence across the MENA region.

Israel’s support of Morocco as a regional power is a strategic investment for several

reasons.

First, Morocco occupies a strategic geographic position. It is situated at the intersection

of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and it functions as a gateway to both

Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa. Morocco is a relatively stable country in a region that

experiences a lot of political unrest, most notably in Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia. As a

result, Morocco offers reliable access to strategic maritime routes, acting as a conduit

for international trade, security, and cultural exchange through economic, educational,

and leisure opportunities.

Second, Morocco has proved to be a reliable partner in counterterrorism efforts. Broadly

speaking, it has actively worked to dismantle extremist networks, particularly those

operating in the Sahel. For example, it has demonstrated opposition to Iran, which has

shown interest in establishing influence in North and West Africa. Moroccan did this

most notably by severing ties with Tehran due to its support for Hezbollah-affiliated

groups in the region. By itself with western and Israeli security priorities, Morocco

contributes to the shared containment of both Iran’s regional influence and radical

Islamist ideologies. It has also served as the leader among other moderate Arab states,

encouraging others to collaborate with global counterterrorist policies.

Third, Morocco is an economic leader among its neighbors and within Western and

Central Africa. Its advanced infrastructure, which includes the Tangier Med port,

combined with its burgeoning financial and industrial ties with African economies,

facilitate trade and investment to and from both Europe and Africa. Through Morocco,

both American and Israeli businesses are provided with reliable access to the fast-

growing African market. This favorable business climate, bolstered by expanding Israeli-

Moroccan ties, offers a stable and accessible environment for long-term economic

relationships.

Fourth, Morocco received recognition from both the United States and from Israel of

their sovereignty over the Western Sahara as part of the Abraham Accords. Morocco is

now more invested in long-term partnerships with the United States and Israel, allowing

all sides to benefit from this partnership for broader strategic and security goals.

The Abraham Accords have catalyzed Morocco and Israel’s collaboration across a

range of sectors, including defense, intelligence, tourism, and agriculture. They now

share embassies, have established direct flights between their countries, and have

started numerous commercial ventures. This normalization of their relationship

strengthens Israel’s regional legitimacy while fortifying Morocco’s regionally and within

the larger continent. Looking to the future, the Abraham Accords present a model for

other Arab and Muslim-majority nations seeking to expand their regional influence and

to bolster their own economies.