Israeli President Isaac Herzog has congratulated Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri on her appointment as Morocco's head of government, describing it as a "groundbreaking appointment". In a message posted on X, Herzog extended his warmest congratulations to El Mansouri, wishing her success in her new role. He also praised King Mohammed VI for showing great leadership in striving for peace and strengthening ties between Israel and Morocco.
El Mansouri became head of government after King Mohammed VI tasked her with forming a new government under Article 47 of the Constitution. Her appointment followed the September 23 legislative elections, in which her Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives. This makes her Morocco's first woman to lead the government.
Herzog's congratulatory comments come as Rabat and Tel Aviv move to deepen their diplomatic ties. On September 16, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz in New York. The three sides announced plans to elevate the Moroccan and Israeli diplomatic missions to full embassies and exchange ambassadors.
They also agreed to work on restoring direct flights and finalize investment protection and double-taxation agreements by the end of 2026. Bourita said Morocco's relationship with Israel does not mean the two countries agree on everything. "We are not 100% in agreement with Israel. Each can have its own policy," he told Fox News.
Morocco's top diplomat also said the relationship can help the North African kingdom deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. At the UN General Assembly on September 22, Bourita said the Palestinian cause remains a "constant priority" for Morocco. Rabat continues to support an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
As chair of the Al-Quds Committee, King Mohammed VI also continues to support efforts to preserve Jerusalem's historical and cultural identity, with the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Agency carrying out projects aimed at improving conditions for residents of the city. El Mansouri has begun consultations with parties to form Morocco's government coalition.
The appointment of El Mansouri and the deepening of ties between Morocco and Israel have significant implications for the region. Morocco's relationship with Israel is seen as a way to promote peace and stability in the region, while also supporting the Palestinian cause.
Key points
- Morocco and Israel plan to elevate their diplomatic missions to full embassies and exchange ambassadors.
- El Mansouri is Morocco's first woman to lead the government.
- Morocco continues to support an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
