US president grants rare Legion of Merit to King Mohammed VI; Moroccan ambassador accepts award in private ceremony

David Govrin will depart for Rabat shortly to serve in temporary role until a diplomat is formally appointed

US envoy attends event in ‘stunningly beautiful’ disputed region; Moroccan FM says country ‘feels stronger in its legitimate fight for its territorial integrity’

US Embassy in Rabat call trip by David Schenker to contested region 'a historic visit'

Foreign Ministry spokesperson reportedly says map of Middle East, which famously hangs in PM's office, was 'old' and will be replaced

Move comes ahead of expected senior delegation from Rabat next month, as ties between two countries rapidly expand

Countries to discuss opening diplomatic missions, launching direct flights; Netanyahu: 'I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship'

Israel has lobbied on behalf of countries willing to establish ties, and others hoping for the same kind of muscle on the Hill are likely taking notice

In first call since normalization announcement, leaders congratulate one another, discuss ways to advance deal in coming weeks

State Department announces move after recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory as part of US-brokered Israel normalization deal earlier this month