Moroccan Defense Officials Visit Israeli Pavilion at Marrakech Airshow
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Senior Moroccan defense officials visited the Israel Aerospace Industries pavilion at the Marrakech Airshow 2026, marking a historic moment in bilateral relations. This visit underscores the growing ties between Israel and Morocco since the 2020 Abraham Accords. The article also highlights a recent joint military exercise and Morocco's decision to purchase Israeli artillery systems.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Moroccan defense leaders visited the Israel Aerospace Industries pavilion at the Marrakech Airshow 2026.
- The visit signifies the strengthening relationship between Israel and Morocco post-Abraham Accords.
- A joint Israeli-Moroccan military exercise focused on tunnel warfare drew Arab criticism.
- Morocco previously chose to buy Israeli artillery over French systems.
- Israel and Morocco agreed to upgrade diplomatic ties and expand flights.
Senior officials from Morocco's defense establishment visited the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) pavilion at the Marrakech Airshow 2026 on Thursday. Among the visitors were the Minister responsible for National Defense, the Chief of Staff and Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, and the General in charge of the Fourth Bureau.
This marks a historic participation for IAI at the Moroccan exhibition, reflecting the close ties that have developed between Israel and Morocco since the latter joined the Abraham Accords in 2020. Following the accords, Morocco re-established diplomatic and commercial relations with Israel, which it had previously severed during the Second Intifada (2000-2005).
The article also references a recent joint exercise between Israel and Morocco, conducted with American partnership, which focused on tunnel warfare, artillery aircraft, and commando operations. This exercise has drawn criticism from many in the Arab world.
In addition to the airshow, the report notes warming relations, including agreements made at a trilateral summit in New York to upgrade diplomatic missions to embassies, appoint ambassadors, expand direct flights, and finalize economic agreements by the end of the year. Last year, Morocco decided to purchase 36 artillery units from the Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems, opting for the Israeli product over renewing a contract with a French supplier.
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