Israel Opens First Permanent Defense Office in Morocco
The move cements a 2021 agreement that allows for arms sales and intelligence sharing between the two nations.
By Amir Navarro ·
Israeli and Moroccan defense officials met in Rabat on Tuesday to formalize the opening of a permanent attaché office. The facility marks the first time Israel has maintained a dedicated military diplomatic presence in the North African country. Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram led the delegation, which included senior figures from the Israel Defense Forces.
The new office is headed by Colonel Sharon Itach. She serves as Israel’s first military attaché to Morocco. The establishment of this permanent base signals a shift from ad hoc coordination to a standing institutional framework for military cooperation.
The visit followed a memorandum of understanding signed in 2021. That agreement streamlined defense cooperation and permitted Israel to sell arms to Morocco under government-to-government deals. It also facilitated the exchange of intelligence between the two militaries.
Baram held meetings with top Moroccan security leaders during the trip. He met with Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate for the National Defense Administration. He also met with Inspector General Mohammed Berrid and representatives from the Royal Palace and intelligence services.
The Defense Ministry stated that security ties have expanded since diplomatic relations were renewed in 2020. This growth occurred during a three-year period of regional conflict. The ministry noted that most defense transactions are executed through state-level agreements rather than private channels.
Israeli firms are currently helping to build a local defense sector in Morocco. They are using joint ventures and offset agreements to support this effort. The ministry described Israeli defense industries as highly regarded in the Moroccan market.
Military interactions have increased since 2020. In 2022, then-IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi made the first official visit to Morocco. The following year, then-Air Force Chief Tomer Bar also visited. In 2023, an IDF delegation joined a major US-led military exercise in the country.
Baram described the relationship as built on trust and historical ties. He stated that the two nations intend to advance their partnership to new levels. The ministry said the visit reflects a strategy to deepen cooperation with friendly nations and expand defense exports.
