Morocco’s balancing act: Weapons from Israel, aid for Gaza
Even as Morocco’s aid flows into Gaza and protests erupt in support of the Palestinians, the kingdom deepens defence ties with Israel.
According to Yabiladi via Africa Intelligence, reported on September 4th, Morocco and Israel have been steadily growing their defence cooperation, holding a series of high-level talks. Despite publicly condemning Israel for their conduct in Gaza, Rabat is considering further acquisitions of Israeli weaponry.
The first set of talks that took place were purportedly in March, where under the direction of Sibat, the international cooperation agency of the Israeli Ministry of Defence, Moroccan officials were presented with technologies from firms such as Elbit Systems.
These talks seemingly proved successful, with Elbit Systems now standing as one of Morocco’s main weapons suppliers.
Further delegations of high-ranking Moroccan military officials visited Israel in the following months. The most recent discussions were in August, where the Directorate of Research and Development for the Israeli Ministry of Defence (MAFAT) organised demonstrations with more of Israel’s top defence contractors.
Some of the companies in attendance included Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Sentrycs, D-Fend Solutions, and SmartShooter, firms specialising in weapons ranging from anti-drone systems to small arms.
Morocco is now apparently considering a purchase of drones from IAI in a deal potentially worth upwards of $100 million. The very same company whose drones have been used in Gaza.
It is also worth noting the booming trade relations between the two countries. According to pro-Moroccan government outlet Morocco World News, trade volume surged 124% in May 2024.
Although it is no phenomenon for two countries to engage in defence and trade cooperation, the timing of Morocco’s closer alignment with Israel, paired with their public stance concerning the war in Gaza, reveals the contradictive nature of their foreign policy.
As Maghrebi reported, the people of Morocco have shown overwhelming support for the suffering Palestinians over the course of the war. Thousands in Rabat gathered recently to protest in opposition of Israel’s treatment of civilians in Gaza, many labelling it a “deliberate starvation campaign.”
This seemingly translated into the Moroccan government’s recent address at the UN Human Rights Council’s 59th session, where officials in attendance apparently condemned Israel’s occupation of both Gaza and the West Bank as violations of international law.
Morocco also recently sent an aid package of 180 tons to Gaza, with Foreign Affairs Minister, Nasser Bourita, stating the aid “reflects Morocco’s continued and tangible solidarity and underscores the Sovereign’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.”
For now, the kingdom appears to walk the fine line of public support for Gazans and quiet defence collaborations with Israel. However, sustaining this contradiction will remain a challenge amid domestic and regional pressures, and Morocco may soon be compelled to definitively pick a side both in words and actions.
Yabiladi via Africa Intelligence, Middle East Eye, Hespress, Maghrebi, Al Jazeera
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