A common claim about Israel's normalization processes with the Arab world is that these processes are dictated from above, and do not enjoy popular support. However, a recent public opinion poll conducted in Morocco points to a different trend, and opens the door to optimism. The results of the survey, published by the Arab Barometer, a research network that conducts opinion polls in the Middle East and North Africa, are encouraging in terms of the potential further development of peace relations between Israel and Morocco. Of the respondents, 41 percent said that they support the normalization agreement between Israel and Morocco – a significantly higher rate of support compared to other countries in the region, including countries that have peace relations with Israel.
An example of Moroccan support for relations with Israel is a Twitter page that has more than 1,500 followers. Although it is not unclear whether this is a government or popular initiative, it is interesting to note that it recently changed its name from "Moroccans for normalization with Israel" to "Moroccans for the renewal of relations with Israel." This choice is apparently intended both to emphasize that the relationship with Israel is not a deviation from past tradition, but rather a return to the "natural" order, and to avoid the negative stigma associated with the concept of "normalization" in the Arab world. The page, whose symbol combines the flags of Morocco and Israel, publishes diverse content, including a sympathetic overview of political, security, economic, technological, and cultural cooperation between the countries; praise for the tolerant policy of the King of Morocco toward the Jews; and sharp attacks against opponents of normalization.
A common claim about Israel's normalization processes with the Arab world is that these processes are dictated from above, and do not enjoy popular support. However, a recent public opinion poll conducted in Morocco points to a different trend, and opens the door to optimism. The results of the survey, published by the Arab Barometer, a research network that conducts opinion polls in the Middle East and North Africa, are encouraging in terms of the potential further development of peace relations between Israel and Morocco. Of the respondents, 41 percent said that they support the normalization agreement between Israel and Morocco – a significantly higher rate of support compared to other countries in the region, including countries that have peace relations with Israel.
An example of Moroccan support for relations with Israel is a Twitter page that has more than 1,500 followers. Although it is not unclear whether this is a government or popular initiative, it is interesting to note that it recently changed its name from "Moroccans for normalization with Israel" to "Moroccans for the renewal of relations with Israel." This choice is apparently intended both to emphasize that the relationship with Israel is not a deviation from past tradition, but rather a return to the "natural" order, and to avoid the negative stigma associated with the concept of "normalization" in the Arab world. The page, whose symbol combines the flags of Morocco and Israel, publishes diverse content, including a sympathetic overview of political, security, economic, technological, and cultural cooperation between the countries; praise for the tolerant policy of the King of Morocco toward the Jews; and sharp attacks against opponents of normalization.