Morocco Deepens Security Ties With Israel Amid Regional Criticism
Morocco is significantly deepening its security and military cooperation with Israel, a move criticized as a betrayal of Palestinian interests and Arab solidarity. This escalation of ties occurs while Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and its settlement policies. The article contrasts Morocco's actions with more ethically driven stances taken by non-Arab and non-Muslim nations regarding the Palestinian cause.
The author questions how the Moroccan King, referred to as "Prince of the Faithful," and his chairmanship of the Jerusalem Committee can align with strengthening military and intelligence cooperation with Israel. This relationship, which began with normalization in December 2020 and a defense memorandum in November 2021, has progressed to military cooperation agreements in March 2022.
Historically, secret Moroccan-Israeli security and intelligence cooperation dates back to the 1960s, with the Mossad reportedly involved. Morocco allegedly provided intelligence to Israel regarding the 1965 Arab Summit in Casablanca. By the 1980s, secret ties evolved into more open political contacts, including a meeting between King Hassan II and Shimon Peres in 1986. Relations were officially established after the Oslo Accords but suspended in 2000, though channels remained open.
The article highlights Spain as a contrasting example, a non-Arab, non-Muslim nation that has taken strong measures against Israeli policies, including recognizing Palestine, supporting international legal actions against Israel, and imposing arms embargoes and import bans on settlement products. Spain's actions are presented as a response to both government policy and widespread public solidarity with Palestine.
The author criticizes Arab regimes for prioritizing strategic alliances and security protection from major powers over historical responsibilities to Palestine and their own populations. The article also critiques Moroccan political parties, including the Islamist Justice and Development Party, for compromising their stated opposition to normalization when entering government, citing the signing of the joint declaration in December 2020 by then-Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani.
Ultimately, the piece calls for a comprehensive review of Arab systems, political movements, and intellectuals, suggesting that true progress and solidarity may increasingly come from outside traditional Arab and Islamic circles, citing Western nations, international activists, and even anti-Zionist Jews as examples of those taking a stand for Palestinian rights.
