The Gaza conflict has paradoxically strengthened Morocco’s ties with Israel, reflecting a divergence from other Arab nations. Morocco is actively engaging in military and defense agreements with Israel, underscoring a significant geopolitical shift, despite growing domestic opposition over normalization. The government prioritizes military partnerships to support its territorial claims and enhance diplomatic relations with the United States.
The conflict in Gaza has not deterred Morocco from strengthening its ties with Israel, contrary to the experiences of other Arab nations. Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, noted that while some Arab states have curtailed cooperation with Israel, Morocco has intensified its partnerships. A notable example is the procurement of 36 Atmos 2000 artillery systems from Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems, marking a shift from traditional suppliers like France.
Morocco’s military dealings with Israel have expanded significantly, including a recent contract with Israel Aerospace Industries for two Ofek-13 spy satellites, valued at $1 billion. This move replaces older spy satellite technology from European manufacturers, showcasing Morocco’s strategic pivot towards Israeli technology in defense. Israeli arms sales have grown, with Israel becoming Morocco’s third-largest supplier, following the U.S. and France.
Historically, Morocco has maintained positive, albeit discreet, relations with Israel, dating back to the 1980s. Following the formal re-establishment of diplomatic relations in December 2020 under the Abraham Accords, Morocco has made substantial overtures towards Israel. High-level Israeli visits to Morocco have resulted in multiple defense and military agreements, underscoring the military cooperation between the nations.
Despite the demands and protests from Moroccans advocating for Palestine, including large marches and significant public disapproval regarding normalization with Israel, the government has continued to foster these ties. A recent Arab Barometer poll indicated that only 13 percent of Moroccans support normalization after the Gaza conflict.
Additionally, the Moroccan government has made gestures towards Israel, such as allowing an Israeli naval vessel to dock in Tangier and handling the repatriation of a Palestinian citizen suspected of terrorism. These actions reflect Morocco’s complicated balancing act between international relations and internal public sentiment regarding Palestine.
Morocco’s relationship with Israel is underpinned by its geopolitical interests, particularly concerning its territorial claims in Western Sahara. Morocco seeks to solidify its position through military partnerships with Israel, and this bilateral relationship facilitates Morocco’s engagement with the United States amidst ongoing territorial disputes. Morocco’s diplomatic strategy entails leveraging its relationship with Israel to garner support for its sovereignty claims.
Morocco’s deepening ties with Israel in the face of regional challenges highlight a significant geopolitical shift. While public sentiment in Morocco remains largely pro-Palestinian, the government prioritizes strategic military cooperation and diplomatic leverage. This complex relationship underscores Morocco’s efforts to navigate international alliances while addressing internal pressures amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
