THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS REACH THE STRAIT: How Israel Could Help Morocco Reclaim Its North

A summary of a notable article published last April on the Israeli news website Ynet by Amin Ayoub, outlining the strategic dynamics behind current developments:
▪️ The Geopolitical Earthquake 🌐💥
Escalating tensions between Washington and Madrid—driven by Spain’s refusal to allow the United States to use the Rota and Morón air bases for operations against Iran, its failure to meet NATO spending commitments, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s opposition to President Trump—have created significant cracks in Spain’s strategic position regarding Ceuta and Melilla.
▪️ Growing Support from Washington 🇺🇸📣
In March 2026, Michael Rubin of the American Enterprise Institute urged the Trump administration to recognize Ceuta and Melilla as Moroccan territories under Spanish occupation, describing Spain as a “colonial power.” He was later joined by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, who argued that the two enclaves lie outside Spain’s geographical territory and that their future should be resolved among allies.
▪️ Spain’s Legal Vulnerability ⚖️🚨
The Pentagon reportedly threatened to suspend Spain’s NATO membership over its position on Iran, while President Trump directed the termination of economic dealings with Madrid.
Most significantly, Article 6 of the Washington Treaty excludes African territories from NATO’s collective defense obligations, leaving Ceuta and Melilla legally exposed and outside the Alliance’s automatic security umbrella. ❌
▪️ The Expanding Military Partnership 🤝
The Abraham Accords have significantly strengthened military cooperation between Israel and Morocco, culminating in the adoption of a joint action plan in January 2026.
This growing partnership gives Israel a direct strategic interest in Morocco’s regional success. 📈
Three Ways Israel Could Support Morocco 🇮🇱🇲🇦
1️⃣ Direct Diplomatic Signaling
Recognize that Spain’s continued control of African territories undermines Madrid’s credibility and transforms Ceuta and Melilla into a broader issue of regional governance.
2️⃣ Applying Pressure in Washington
Highlight Morocco’s strategic role in securing the Western Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar to encourage greater U.S. support for Rabat’s claims.
3️⃣ Exposing Spanish Contradictions
Emphasize the inconsistency of Madrid recognizing a Palestinian state while maintaining African colonial enclaves that predate Israel by four centuries.
Strategic Conclusion 🎯
The argument presented is that no military adventure is required—only sustained diplomatic pressure. Supporting Morocco’s efforts to reclaim Ceuta and Melilla would, in this analysis, penalize what is portrayed as an obstructive NATO member while advancing U.S.-Israeli strategic interests by strengthening influence over one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints.