Netanyahu's map controversy reignites tensions over Israel's stance on Sahara

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked controversy again after publishing a map of the Arab world that labeled Morocco's northern part as «Morocco» and the southern part as «Western Sahara», without a dividing line between them.

Netanyahu appeared at a press conference explaining the importance of controlling the Philadelphia Axis, which separates Egypt from the Gaza Strip.

His move ignited a wave of controversy among Moroccans on social media, with many questioning the intentions of Israel's far-right government, despite its recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Anticipating a backlash from Moroccans, the Prime Minister's office clarified on X that the map used during today's announcement incorrectly labeled a portion of Moroccan territory as «Western Sahara». It also added that «Israel reaffirms its recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara».

Netanyahu had previously shown a truncated map of Morocco last May during an interview with French TV channels TF1 and LCI. In response to the outrage expressed by Moroccans on social media, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributed the incident to an «involuntary error», while a representative of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the concerns on behalf of the Moroccan government.

In a letter to King Mohammed VI in July 2023, Netanyahu announced Israel's recognition of the Moroccan Sahara, stating that «this position will be reflected in all the work and documents of the United Nations, regional and international organizations of which Israel is a member, as well as all countries with which Israel has diplomatic relations».

He also mentioned that Israel was positively considering «opening a consulate in Dakhla», as part of «enshrining this state decision».

Since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza last October, Israeli-Moroccan relations, which were resumed in December 2020, have entered a phase of stalemate, with Morocco increasing its criticism of Israel in international and regional forums.