Israeli envoy to Morrocco faces sanction over ethical misconducts

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated disciplinary measures against David Govrin, the Israeli envoy stationed in Rabat, Morocco, over allegations of sexual harassment and ethical breaches.

Reports of Govrin allegedly exploiting Moroccan women employed at the Israeli liaison office in Rabat surfaced in 2022.. The report led to a formal investigation, which found Govrin culpable of the allegations leveled against him.

A disciplinary meeting was convened following the report by the Inspectorate of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which lamented the deteriorating situation of the Tel Aviv office in Morocco, attributable to Govrin’s actions.

The decision at the disciplinary session stopped short of dismissing Govrin and opted for disciplinary measures instead. He was directed to rectify his behavior and completely separate his personal life from office matters.

A source stated that Govrin’s activities will now undergo rigorous monitoring to ensure compliance with ethical standards at the workplace in Morocco, and he has also been assigned a new staffer to collaborate with him.

Moroccan media reported that the investigation found Govrin guilty of the allegations against him and recommended his dismissal from his position in Rabat. However, the ministry decided to retain him without further elaboration on the reasons.

Govrin, in his defense, has denied all accusations, attributing them to internal office conflicts.