Israeli approves plan to build embassy in Rabat, expand Dubai consulate

Israel’s foreign ministry has approved the establishment of a permanent embassy in the Moroccan capital, Israeli media said, after the two countries normalised ties in a controversial move in 2020.

The embassy will cost 14 million shekels (approximately $4,150,000) and will be built on a piece of land owned by Israel on Rabat’s Ben Barka Street in the upscale Souissi neighbourhood, Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

Construction will last between a year and a year and a half.

Before Morocco and Israel established relations in December 2020, the two countries long shared informal ties.

The agreement to establish relations was slammed by Palestinians who said it harmed their cause and rewarded Israel while it continued to occupy the West Bank and besiege the Gaza Strip.

"The embassy in Rabat represents, in Israel’s point of view, another step in strengthening Israeli-Moroccan relations," Yedioth Ahronoth said.

Israel opened a liaison office in Morocco in August 2021, while Morocco opened a liaison office in Tel Aviv in February of the same year.

Rabat had previously announced that is was planning to open an embassy in Israel this summer.

Ever since the normalisation deal, the two countries have been quick to bolster ties in various fields, especially military.

The Israeli foreign ministry also gave the green light to build another floor for the Israeli consulate in Dubai, which will cost 9 million shekels (roughly $2,700,000) added Yedioth Ahronoth.

The United Arab Emirates normalised ties with Israel shortly before Morocco did in 2020, alongside Bahrain.

Israel opened its embassy in Abu Dhabi in January last year, while the UAE opened an embassy in Tel Aviv in July last year also.