Israeli overseas ministry mentioned it recalled its ambassador to Morocco over sexual abuse allegations and corruption.
Israel has summoned its ambassador to Morocco, David Govrin, over allegations of sexual harassment and corruption, Israeli media retailers have reported.
The Israeli overseas ministry confirmed Govrin’s recall to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth on Tuesday, saying “the ambassador to Morocco [has been recalled] because of allegations of sexual abuse, harassment and corruption”.
Govrin, 58, is a fluent Arabic speaker and had beforehand served because the ambassador to Egypt from 2016 to August 2020.
He’ll stay in Israel pending the ministry’s investigation into the allegations towards him, the newspaper mentioned.
Public broadcaster KAN mentioned Israeli authorities had been “investigating complaints over alleged actions carried out on the Israeli illustration in Morocco”.
The broadcaster additionally referred to “one other unusual story regarding businessman Sami Cohen who formally hosted actions for senior Israeli officers” in Morocco.
In response to media reviews, the businessman allegedly organized conferences for senior Israeli officers with Moroccan official representatives, regardless of not holding any official place.
In response to The Occasions of Israel, the overseas ministry can be investigating the theft of a “treasured present” from the Moroccan Royal Courtroom throughout Israel’s celebration of its basis anniversary.
Such items need to be registered and turned over to the federal government, however the merchandise seems to have disappeared with no file.
Probably the most critical grievance was that “a senior Israeli official” on the mission had sexually exploited a number of native girls, one thing that would result in a extreme diplomatic incident with Morocco. There have been additionally complaints of sexual harassment inside the mission.
If the allegations show to be true, a critical diplomatic incident in relations between Israel and Morocco might be sparked.
Morocco turned the third Arab state to normalise ties with Israel underneath United States-brokered offers in 2020, becoming a member of the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. In return, the US – underneath former President Donald Trump – recognised Morocco’s declare over Western Sahara.