Morocco Arms Up With Israeli Tech Amid Spanish Embargo
While Spain pursues a strict anti-Israel policy and enforces a complete arms embargo, its neighbor Morocco is quietly acquiring advanced Israeli defense and offense systems. These acquisitions are strategically positioned, posing a direct threat to the Strait of Gibraltar and leaving a concerned Spain behind.
According to Spanish media reports, Morocco has become a key strategic customer for Israel's defense industry, purchasing advanced weaponry. Some of these systems are reportedly aimed at southern Spain and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, located just 14 kilometers away. Since the 2020 Abraham Accords, the Rabat-Jerusalem axis has significantly shifted the power balance in North Africa.
Major Israeli companies like Elbit Systems and Rafael are supplying Morocco with a wide array of advanced systems. This arsenal includes Elbit's PULS rocket launchers, advanced ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers, and various drones, including the SpyX, with potential joint local production. Morocco has also acquired critical air defense systems such as Barak MX and Spyder, and is in advanced talks for the David's Sling system. These systems can easily cover the Strait of Gibraltar and large parts of southern Spain, causing significant concern in Madrid.
This military buildup comes as Spain faces heightened tensions with Morocco, particularly following an incident in late July 2026 where thousands of migrants breached Ceuta. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly accused Israel- and Russia-linked information networks of inciting the riots, an accusation Israel vehemently denied as a "blatant lie." Leaked internal police reports suggested Moroccan authorities may have facilitated the migrant influx, leading to severe political fallout in Madrid and widespread protests.
As Sánchez defends Rabat and faces domestic criticism for his foreign policy, Spain finds itself disconnected from Israeli technology. Morocco, meanwhile, is rapidly becoming a fortified regional power, widening the security gap between the two nations. Morocco is equipping itself with top Israeli technology while Spain boycotts Israel and grapples with a severe migration crisis.
