Morocco has it’s own reasons to do this. Were they encouraged? Maybe. Was is the main reason? Unlikely.
Morocco already tried this couple of years ago and got want it wanted. Spain capitulated and changed their stance on Western Sahara, agreeing that it will be controlled by Morocco. As part of the agreement Morocco started controlling its side of the border to help limit the flow of immigrants reaching Ceuta and Melilla. This move angered Algeria and spoiled their relations with Spain. Last month Spain tried to normalize those relations again and Sanchez visited Algeria for the first time in 4 years. What happened in Ceuta was Morocco showing that they are not happy about it and that they still have Spain by the balls there. IMHO it’s unlikely that US and Israel initiated this.
Anyway, the deal with Morocco was a terrible betrayal of his base and Sanchez is now reaping the rewards. He managed to normalize the situation for a couple of years but it was clear from the beginning this will not last and that it will explode in his face eventually. His government is doing good things on many fronts but they totally fucked up on that front. Hopefully they wills tart paying attention now. Or at least the next government will.
Morocco has it’s own reasons to do this. Were they encouraged? Maybe. Was is the main reason? Unlikely.
Morocco already tried this couple of years ago and got want it wanted. Spain capitulated and changed their stance on Western Sahara, agreeing that it will be controlled by Morocco. As part of the agreement Morocco started controlling its side of the border to help limit the flow of immigrants reaching Ceuta and Melilla. This move angered Algeria and spoiled their relations with Spain. Last month Spain tried to normalize those relations again and Sanchez visited Algeria for the first time in 4 years. What happened in Ceuta was Morocco showing that they are not happy about it and that they still have Spain by the balls there. IMHO it’s unlikely that US and Israel initiated this.
Anyway, the deal with Morocco was a terrible betrayal of his base and Sanchez is now reaping the rewards. He managed to normalize the situation for a couple of years but it was clear from the beginning this will not last and that it will explode in his face eventually. His government is doing good things on many fronts but they totally fucked up on that front. Hopefully they wills tart paying attention now. Or at least the next government will.