Moroccan Party Leader Questions Public Opposition to Israel Ties

Abdellah Benkirane, Secretary General of Morocco's Justice and Development Party, has expressed reservations about the extent of public opposition to normalization with Israel, while reaffirming his party's stance against such relations. He stated that while his party rejects ties with Israel, he would not condemn the Moroccan state for pursuing them, questioning the notion of a unified public rejection of normalization.

Benkirane's remarks followed a visit by the Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense to Morocco. During the visit, the Israeli official held discussions with Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration, and met with General Mohamed Barid, Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces and commander of the Southern Zone. The talks focused on enhancing military cooperation, including technology acquisition, defense industry partnerships, establishing a defense industrial base, and training programs. The visit also marked the inauguration of the permanent office for the Israeli Defense Attaché in Rabat.

Speaking at a forum in Casablanca on November 10, Benkirane reiterated his party's firm position against normalization, aligning with the Reform and Unity Movement's stance. He characterized Israel as an "occupying and criminal" entity whose actions are unacceptable by any ethical, religious, or legal standard. Benkirane indicated that he might reconsider his position if Israel accepted a political settlement based on a two-state solution, but noted that Israel rejects this option.

Addressing the Moroccan government's relations with Israel, Benkirane stated, "Our state is proceeding with normalization. What do you want me to do, condemn my country?" He emphasized his reluctance to confront the state on this issue, asserting that his primary concern is preventing normalization from becoming a means to infiltrate Moroccan society. He placed the responsibility for countering such infiltration primarily on societal and political forces.

Benkirane also challenged the assertion of widespread public rejection of normalization, suggesting it did not reflect the current societal reality. He contrasted the present situation with 2000, when the Israeli liaison office in Rabat and the Moroccan liaison office in Tel Aviv were closed during the Second Intifada, a move that ended that form of relations. He urged those who reject normalization to move beyond declarations and engage in peaceful societal action to make continued normalization unsustainable.

He further justified his stance by citing Morocco's security and strategic challenges, including regional tensions and threats from Algeria. Benkirane argued that the state must defend its interests, and disagreements with its choices should not necessarily lead to condemnation. While he disagrees with continued normalization, he refuses to condemn the state, reiterating his main objection is preventing official ties from leading to societal penetration.

Citing the Egyptian experience, Benkirane suggested that formal peace and official relations with Israel did not lead to the same degree of societal penetration or change in public opinion as might occur in other societies. He expressed concern about Moroccan society's susceptibility to financial influence and other forms of persuasion, warning against the use of financial incentives to promote pro-normalization narratives, alleging that some entities receive substantial funds to promote the idea that all Moroccans support Israel.

Benkirane concluded by calling for efforts to counter societal infiltration and fortify collective awareness through political action and peaceful mobilization, distinguishing between his political and ethical rejection of normalization and his refusal to condemn the state's diplomatic and security choices. He placed the responsibility for countering societal normalization on political and civil actors.