Israeli Diplomat Addresses Morocco's Claims
On April 29, 2023, during a discussion in Madrid, Dana Erlich, the Israeli ambassador to Spain, firmly stated that Israel is not considering supporting Morocco's claims over the Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. According to Erlich, the current government led by Benjamin Netanyahu does not view this issue as relevant at this time. She emphasized that the focus for Israel is on more pressing threats, stating, "It is not something we are thinking about in Israel because it is not relevant at a moment when the enemy is threatening our lives." This comes in response to recent reports from some Israeli media outlets suggesting that Israel might be willing to offer diplomatic support to Morocco regarding its aspirations concerning these territories located in North Africa.
Concerns Over Diplomatic Relations with Spain
Erlich expressed her concerns about the relationship between Spain and Israel, noting that Spain is a crucial ally for Israel in various international groups. She highlighted the similar threats faced by both nations, which raises questions about why the Spanish government does not recognize Israel as a partner. The ambassador acknowledged the challenges of her role, describing her experience as "difficult" due to Spain's stance on conflicts in the Middle East, which she finds troubling. The relationship between the two countries, she remarked, has encountered what she termed a "perfect storm" in recent times.
Despite these challenges, Erlich remains committed to maintaining dialogue with Spain, even in light of what she perceives as a distorted perspective from the Spanish government, which she claims only judges and condemns Israel while terrorist groups like Hamas praise Spain's position. Furthermore, she raised alarms about the rising antisemitism in Europe, noting that the Jewish community in Spain is increasingly fearful. Erlich also lamented the existence of legally recognized groups in Spain that support terrorism, such as the Samidoun network, which advocates for Palestinian prisoners, while similar organizations have been banned in other countries.
As reported by swissinfo.ch.
