Following controversy and speculation surrounding the effective amputation of the Sahara region from a map of Morocco displayed on a wall behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Israel’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has refuted that the map of Europe, Africa, and Middle East has any significance with respect to Israel’s position on sovereignty in the region.
Ministry spokesperson Lior Ben-Dor clarified in a press release that the map hanging on the wall in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office (that included a demarcation line), now widely shared on various websites and social media platforms, is not an updated map and does not accurately represent Israel’s position with respect to the Moroccan Sahara.
Ben-Dor reaffirmed Israel’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara as Israel formally clarified three months ago in a letter from Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu to King Mohammed VI. Not only did Israel recognize the sovereignty of Morocco over the territory, but it also stated its intention to open a consulate there in the city of Dakhla.
This is not the first time that such a map has been misconstrued. Netanyahu had indicated that Israel’s position would be unambiguously reflected in all relevant actions and documents by the Israeli government. He added that the United Nations, regional and international organizations, and all countries with which Israel has diplomatic relations will be informed of the decision.