According to Israeli journalist and academic researcher, Eddie Cohen, the United States recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara in August 2020, as part of the public normalization with Israel. However, the Netanyahu government at that time stipulated that the recognition of Western Sahara would be reciprocated only if the US moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, acknowledging the latter as Israel’s capital.
Cohen, in a tweet on Twitter, revealed that after significant pressure from Likud hawks (including himself), former Intelligence Minister and current Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, convinced the Netanyahu government not to link Jerusalem and Western Sahara.
Consequently, there is now room for Moroccan media to cover Arab and Islamic issues. Additionally, Netanyahu was eventually persuaded to appoint Brigadier General Sharon Itah, commander of the Haifa Brigade in the Israel Defense Forces, as a military attaché in Morocco.
Moreover, Cohen mentioned that Israel was convinced to establish drone manufacturing facilities in Dakhla, Western Sahara, and transport 600 ballistic missiles there, to discipline the Polisario Front, who contemplated infiltrating Moroccan territories.
To prevent nocturnal infiltration, thermal monitoring devices were installed along all borders with Tindouf and Bechar. Cohen emphasized that Israel, along with Morocco, stands firm on this matter, whether perceived as oppressive or victimized.