Israeli envoy to Morocco faces disciplinary action over sexual harassment

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sanctioned a series of disciplinary actions against its envoy to Morocco following allegations of sexual harassment and ethical misconduct.

David Govrin, the head of the Israeli liaison office in Rabat, attended a disciplinary session earlier this week. He was directed to rectify his behaviour and completely separate his personal life from office matters.

According to local media outlet Hespress, Govrin's activities will now be rigorously monitored and visited periodically at the workplace in Morocco.

The same source added, "He has also been assigned a new diplomatic staffer to collaborate with him."

This disciplinary meeting came following a report by the Inspectorate of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which lamented "the deteriorating situation of the Tel Aviv office in Morocco, attributable to Govrin's actions."

The case against Govrin dates back to June 2022, when allegations of exploiting Moroccan women working at the office by a senior Israeli official were leaked to the media.

These leaks triggered widespread anger and frustration among many Moroccans, who criticised the silence of Rabat's foreign ministry vis-à-vis the scandal.

Five months later, Tel Aviv launched an investigation against the official, who was also accused of failing to report gifts from the Moroccan royal family in honour of Israel's Independence Day.

Shortly after, the official Twitter account of the Israeli office in Rabat announced the appointment of Shai Cohen, former consul general of Israel in Ankara, as their new representative in the North African Kingdom.

Last June, Govrin resumed his duties in Rabat, assuming the role of the "Israeli ambassador to Morocco."

However, Moroccan law stipulates that foreign ambassadors must submit their credentials to the King or the foreign minister, typically in a public ceremony.

No Israeli envoy was among the ambassadors who met the Moroccan King or his foreign minister publicly since Rabat signed the normalisation in December 2020.

Until now, Rabat has refrained from commenting on Govrin's title and scandal.

Moroccan media reported that the investigation found Govrin guilty of the allegations against him and recommended his dismissal from his position in Rabat. However, the ministry decided to retain him without further elaboration on the reasons.

Govrin has denied all accusations, attributes them to internal office conflicts, and has taken legal action against the journalist who exposed aspects of the case. 

All Israeli officials, including Govrin, left Rabat in October after the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza, citing security reasons.