Israeli Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, is set to visit Morocco, marking a crucial step in Israeli-Moroccan relations. Besides diplomatic discussions, the recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara is anticipated. Israeli companies’ potential investments could significantly boost Morocco’s ongoing desalination projects and solar energy initiatives, addressing the country’s water scarcity and advancing its renewable energy sector.
Rabat – Amir Ohana, the Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, is set to embark on an official visit to Morocco next week. The agenda includes high-level talks with Rachid Talbi Alami, the head of the Moroccan House of Representatives, focusing on potential parliamentary cooperation between Morocco and Israel.
Adding to the significance of this diplomatic visit, Ohana, who is of Moroccan descent, is expected to announce Israel’s recognition of Morocco‘s sovereignty over Western Sahara.
Moreover, as we previously mentioned, Ohana will take part in an interfaith dialogue event in Marrakesh.
This visit, by the former Minister of Justice and Minister of Internal Security, marks a major step in cooperation between Israel and Morocco.
It has nevertheless sparked criticism from opposition political factions, particularly the PJD, FGD, and PPS parties.
Morocco, grappling with persistent droughts and water scarcity, is currently advancing 12 desalination projects, some of which are still under construction. The expected recognition of Moroccan sovereignty by Israel could pave the way for Israeli companies to invest in the region.
Given Israel’s globally renowned expertise in desalination and solar energy, such investments could significantly enhance Morocco’s capacity to address its water issues and further its progress in renewable energy development.
Israel has been a pioneer in the research and development of solar energy technologies. The country’s emphasis on renewable energy dates back to the 1950s, when Israeli engineer Zvi Tabor developed the “Tabor Effect,” a principle related to solar energy concentration. Since then, Israel has made significant strides in solar power usage, with the goal of generating a substantial percentage of its electricity from renewable sources in the coming years. BrightSource Energy and SolarEdge are among the Israeli companies leading innovations in this field.
Israel is also a global leader in the field of water desalination. It operates several large-scale desalination plants along its Mediterranean coastline. Among them, the Sorek desalination plant, one of the world’s largest and most advanced facilities, provides a significant proportion of the country’s drinking water. Israeli companies, such as IDE Technologies, have pioneered various technologies to make desalination more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
