Close to Morocco, Israel nevertheless takes an unequivocal position on Sebta
Despite its proximity to Morocco, Israel says it will not sacrifice its relationship with Spain. Its representative in Madrid also assures that her country has “no doubt” about who controls Sebta.
The position was expressed this Thursday, September 10, by Dana Erlich, Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Madrid, during a debate organized by Nueva Economía Fórum. The diplomat was questioned about her country’s close relations with Morocco and the current tensions with Pedro Sánchez’s government.
“Israel has no doubt about who exercises control in Sebta,” declared Dana Erlich. She recalled that she herself made one of her first visits to the city after arriving in Spain.
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Dana Erlich also defended the privileged relationship between Israel and Morocco. She referred to its historical roots, linked to the significant Israeli community of Moroccan origin, as well as its strengthening since the resumption of diplomatic relations within the framework of the Abraham Accords in 2020.
Israel accuses Sánchez of using Sebta as a diversion
This proximity does not mean that Israel is abandoning Spain, she insisted. The diplomat described Spain as an “important and historic ally,” while acknowledging her government’s profound disagreement with the policy currently pursued by Madrid.
She responded particularly forcefully to Pedro Sánchez, who had accused Israel of spreading false information about the Sebta crisis. Dana Erlich believes that the Spanish government is using her country as a “diversion” to divert attention from the controversy over the organization of the 72,000 crossings from Morocco.
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The Israeli representative also denounced what she considers to be a policy directed “against Israel,” beyond Spain’s support for the Palestinians. According to her, Madrid’s recognition of the Palestinian state and the other initiatives adopted by the Sánchez government have improved the situation of neither the Palestinians nor the Israelis.
To restore normal relations with the current Spanish government, Israel is now calling for a change in discourse, policy, and statements. Dana Erlich nevertheless believes that Spain could once again become a diplomatic bridge with Israel, provided that official visits and high-level political dialogue resume.