Israel Deepens Military Ties With Morocco, Alarming Turkey

Israel has solidified its military cooperation with Morocco by establishing a permanent defense attaché office in Rabat. The visit of Israel's Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Amir Baram, to Morocco, which was confirmed a day late, included meetings with the Moroccan Minister of Defense, Chief of Staff, and intelligence officials. During the visit, the permanent Israeli defense attaché building was inaugurated in the Moroccan capital. Colonel Sharon Itach will head the attaché office as Israel's first permanent military representative in Morocco. The delegation also included representatives from the IDF.

Diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco were restored in 2020, followed by a security memorandum of understanding in November 2021. Since then, military ties have significantly expanded, even during the ongoing conflict. Israeli defense companies are highly regarded in Morocco, with most deals conducted on a government-to-government basis. Israel is also assisting Morocco in developing its own defense industry through joint ventures and offset deals.

The IDF representatives are fostering cooperation with the Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), including joint exercises. The Israeli Ministry of Defense views the visit as part of its strategy to deepen ties with friendly nations and boost defense exports. "The visit of Director General, Major General (Res.) Amir Baram to Morocco reflects the Ministry of Defense's strategy to deepen military cooperation with friendly states and increase defense exports as a tool for strengthening the IDF's operational capabilities, influencing foreign policy, and bolstering the Israeli defense industry and economy," the ministry stated.

Baram described the relationship with Morocco as "special," emphasizing that it goes beyond a typical security partnership due to years of building trust, mutual respect, shared Jewish heritage, and deep historical connections. He expressed intent to further elevate these relations. For Israel, the ties with Morocco serve not only military cooperation but also as a strategic counterweight to Turkey's influence in the Mediterranean, particularly in light of Turkey's "Blue Homeland" doctrine aimed at controlling the region's waters and its potential alliance with Libya.