This latest development unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying public and political opposition to normalization with Israel. Mass demonstrations in Moroccan cities over recent months—particularly following the Israeli aggression in Gaza—underscore the enduring public solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Several trade unions and professional bodies, including in education and healthcare, have also vocally rejected Israeli presence in their sectors.
At the same time, the Moroccan government has not issued any clear statement regarding this new appointment. This silence may suggest either tacit approval or a cautious strategy to avoid direct confrontation with public opinion. Is this strategic ambiguity a way to manage the contradictions between diplomacy and domestic sentiment?
■ Economic Normalization: A Gateway to Cultural and Social Penetration?
This initiative cannot be seen in isolation. It is part of a broader trend of gradual normalization, which began with cultural and tourism exchanges and moved into academic collaborations. Now, it has evolved into an official economic representation.
Observers warn that economic penetration—however technical or neutral it may seem—can pave the way for broader social and cultural integration, especially given the increasing discourse about the “economic benefits” of normalization, often ignoring the emotional and historical weight of the Palestinian cause in Moroccan consciousness.
■ Conclusion: Can Economics Reshape Collective Memory?
The appointment of an Israeli economic attaché in Rabat might appear minor in the broader landscape of diplomacy, yet it reflects a qualitative shift in Israel’s approach to the region—and its ambitions in Morocco.
But can economics reshape the collective memory of a society? Can the idea of “mutual gain” transform decades of unwavering support for Palestine into indifference or acceptance?
The questions remain open. What’s clear, however, is that economic normalization is no longer just a diplomatic option. It’s becoming a quiet, yet tangible, presence—waiting for a response from the street, and from the state.
