Israel and Morocco are further expanding their military and security cooperation. A high-ranking delegation from the Israeli Ministry of Defense, led by Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram, Director General of the Ministry, has traveled to Morocco to strengthen existing defense relations. The visit is being conducted on behalf of Defense Minister Israel Katz.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Baram met with senior representatives of the Moroccan defense establishment. These included the Minister Delegate responsible for national defense administration, the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces, as well as other senior representatives of the Royal Palace and the intelligence services.
Since the resumption of diplomatic relations in 2020 and the signing of a defense cooperation agreement in November 2021, the security relationship between Israel and Morocco has expanded significantly. According to the Ministry, this development has continued throughout the past three years of war.
Defense industry cooperation
Israeli defense companies, which enjoy a high reputation in Morocco, play an important role in this regard. According to the Ministry of Defense, most defense deals with Morocco are conducted through direct Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements between the two countries, with the Israeli Ministry of Defense taking the lead.
In addition, Israeli defense companies are supporting the development of an independent Moroccan defense industry. This is achieved, among other things, through joint ventures and so-called offset agreements, in which defense deals are linked to industrial considerations in return.
The armed forces of both countries have also expanded their ties. Representatives of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are participating in the Israeli delegation. The Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the Israeli military now maintain relations that include joint training activities in various fields.
Amir Baram (center right), Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, greeting Moroccan military representatives during his official visit to Morocco. Photo: FAR/ADN.
Permanent Israeli military representation in Rabat
During his visit, Baram will also officially inaugurate the permanent premises of the Israeli Defense Attaché’s office in the Moroccan capital Rabat.
The office is headed by Colonel Sharon Itach, the first permanent Israeli Defense Attaché in Morocco.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Baram’s visit is part of a strategy to deepen defense cooperation with friendly states and expand Israeli defense exports. This is intended to support the development of military capabilities within the Israeli armed forces, influence foreign policy, and strengthen the Israeli defense industry and economy.
Baram emphasized the particular significance of the relationship between the two countries.
“Morocco is not simply another defense partner. It is much more than that,” said the Director General. “Over the years, we have built a strong relationship based on trust, mutual respect, Jewish heritage, and deep historical ties between our peoples.”
Israel intends to continue developing and elevating the relationship between the two countries to a new level, Baram emphasized.
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