Ministers and members of Knesset are congratulating this evening (Thursday) on the historic peace agreement expected to be signed between Israel and Morocco.
Yamina Chairman and former Defense Minister Naftali Bennett tweeted: "A holiday for Israel and Morocco! Another step in the consolidation of the State of Israel. Huge thanks to President Donald Trump who worked with his people to create this connection, and appreciation to Prime Minister Netanyahu for the significant move. Happy Hanukkah!".
Coalition Chairman MK Mickey Zohar responded: "Blessed be God, here is another amazing and unprecedented achievement by Netanyahu and the Likud. Today, it can already be stated that the State of Israel is at an all-time high in its relations with the countries of the world in general and the Arab countries in particular.".
Transportation Minister Miri Regev was moved: "Generations of Jews of Moroccan descent have dreamed of peace with the country where they were born and where our cultural roots are so deeply rooted. Thank you, President Trump, thank you, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and thank you, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There is nothing more symbolic than that tonight we light a great light in the hearts of our grandparents. Our parents are still alive to see this miracle and this important peace. I am very moved, may God bless us and the world.".
MK Nir Barkat: "We begin the Hanukkah holiday with more excellent, joyful and historic news about the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco. Thank you to Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump and his team who continue to demonstrate their great love for the State of Israel.".
Economy Minister Amir Peretz: "As a native of Morocco and a man of the peace camp, I welcome the agreement establishing diplomatic relations with Morocco, which is dear to my heart personally and nationally. It is a pity that my father and mother, blessed be their memory, are not with us now. And of course, a happy Hanukkah to all the House of Israel.".
Minister of Defense Ze'ev Elkin: "Thank you to President Trump for promoting another agreement between Israel and an important Arab country, Morocco! Several years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Morocco as Minister of Environmental Protection at a global conference on the environment. The leaders of the Jewish community told me that this was an official visit by an Israeli minister to Morocco after a break of more than a decade. It was hard to imagine then what happened today.".
Jerusalem Minister Rabbi Rafi Peretz: "My parents, who immigrated from Morocco and left their entire lives behind, always spoke of peace and good relations with the Arab neighbors in Morocco. The time has come for us too. President Trump's announcement tonight about establishing relations with Morocco is a historic and joyful announcement. Welcome and welcome, welcome to the universe. Welcome to Jerusalem.".
Deputy Minister Gadi Yavarkan: "There is no more appropriate time than the holiday of Hanukkah, in which we celebrate the steadfast spirit of the people of Israel, to announce another historic achievement by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which comes from building on the steadfast spirit of the people of Israel. Peace from within itself.".
Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi: "This is another great day for Israeli diplomacy, a day of light, as befits the holiday of Hanukkah. The renewal of relations between us is an important and necessary element within the framework of the 'Abraham Accords,' which reflects the deep friendly relations between the peoples, and calls on additional countries to join the circle.".
The Minister of Civil and Social Affairs at the Ministry of Defense and the Minister of Strategic Affairs, Michael Biton, welcomed the peace agreement between Israel and Morocco - but did not find the strength to praise Netanyahu: "I was born in Israel, but Morocco flows through my veins. About 25 years ago, I arrived there for the first time with my mother Masoud and my wife Ilana, and I found my identity. This is a holiday for me.
'"The seeds planted by the late Yitzhak Rabin have sprouted and are now being harvested. I thank US President Donald Trump, and hope to return to Morocco soon for an official visit, this time as a minister in the Israeli government.".
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid welcomed the peace agreement between Israel and Morocco: "The peace agreement with Morocco is an important and excellent step for Israel. I thank President Trump and his team for their work to promote peace in our region and congratulate Prime Minister Netanyahu and everyone who dealt with the issue on an important agreement for the State of Israel.".
