Israel and Morocco expand defense ties as Baram visits Rabat

Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram is visiting Morocco this week for talks with senior defense officials, the ministry announced on Tuesday, November 10. The visit comes as the two countries continue to expand their security relationship and develop cooperation between their defense industries.

The meetings include Morocco's minister delegate for the National Defense Administration and the inspector-general of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. Baram is also meeting senior figures from the Royal Palace and the intelligence services. Representatives of the Israel Defense Forces are accompanying the delegation.

According to the ministry, security cooperation has increased substantially since Israel and Morocco renewed diplomatic relations in 2020. The countries subsequently signed a defense memorandum of understanding in November 2021. The ministry said the relationship had continued to grow during the three years of war.

That expansion has come despite the wider trend of defense boycotts directed at Israel following the October 7 attacks. The Jerusalem Post reported that, in its meetings with Moroccan officials in Israel, those officials had maintained their interest in Israeli defense products. Their interest has accompanied the continued development of security ties between the two countries.

Most defense transactions with Morocco take place through agreements between the two governments, with Israel's Defense Ministry leading that work. Cooperation is also extending to the development of Morocco's own defense manufacturing capabilities. Israeli defense companies are helping establish an independent Moroccan defense industry through joint ventures and offset agreements.

During the trip, Baram is scheduled to inaugurate the permanent premises of Israel's Defense Attaché Office in Rabat. The office is headed by Col. Sharon Itach, who serves as Israel's first permanent defense attaché to Morocco.

The ministry described the visit as part of its strategy to strengthen defense cooperation with friendly countries and increase defense exports. It said those efforts are intended to support the IDF's force buildup, influence foreign policy and strengthen both Israel's defense industry and its economy.

Baram described Morocco as a partner with significance beyond defense cooperation. He said the relationship had developed through trust, mutual respect, Jewish heritage and deep historical connections between the two peoples. He also expressed an intention to keep advancing ties between the countries.