Morocco's public grows restless over Israel normalisation deal

Moroccan citizens have taken to streets across the country to voice opposition to their government's warming diplomatic ties with Israel, exposing a significant gap between official policy and public opinion. The protests have intensified as the Rabat administration deepens bilateral relations with Tel Aviv, a shift formalised in recent years despite sustained grassroots resistance.

Civil society groups and ordinary Moroccans have mobilised repeatedly to demonstrate against normalisation, with activists arguing the government's approach contradicts the country's historical position on Palestinian self-determination. The demonstrations span major cities and have drawn participants from various socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting the issue resonates broadly among the population.

The Moroccan government has pursued closer economic and security cooperation with Israel, citing potential mutual benefits and regional stability considerations. However, this calculated diplomatic manoeuvre has collided with domestic constituencies that remain sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and critical of Israeli military actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The protests highlight a persistent tension within Morocco's foreign policy, where strategic interests pursued by leadership diverge sharply from public sentiment. As demonstrations continue, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of citizens who view normalisation as incompatible with broader Arab and Islamic solidarity principles.