Algeria Criticizes Israel’s Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty on Western Sahara

Algeria on Thursday strongly criticized Israel’s recent recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, condemning it as a blatant violation of international law. This move has added to the already strained relations between Algeria and Israel, despite the fact that Israel imports goods worth $21.38 million from Algeria annually.

While Algeria refrains from establishing official diplomatic ties with Israel and publicly expresses animosity towards the country, it continues to sell goods to Israel, facilitated by the ruling junta.

The primary source of contention between Morocco and Algeria lies in the Western Sahara territory. After Spain’s withdrawal in 1975, both Morocco and Mauritania asserted claims to sovereignty over the region. Simultaneously, the Polisario Front, representing the indigenous Sahrawi people, declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and sought independence.

Algeria supported the Polisario Front, providing military aid, training and diplomatic recognition. In contrast, Morocco eventually gained control over most of the Western Sahara, while the Polisario Front retained control over certain areas, leading to a prolonged conflict.

Apart from territorial disputes, the conflict between Morocco and Algeria has been fueled by ideological differences. Algeria historically aligned itself with socialist and anti-colonial movements, supporting self-determination struggles across Africa. On the other hand, Morocco maintained closer ties with Western powers and pursued a more pro-Western foreign policy.