Morocco signs defence pact with Israel, as Trump’s legacy reverberates and relationship with Algeria worsen
Israel signed a defence pact with Morocco on Wednesday, its latest public display of readiness to advance national security interests in tandem with Arab countries that have drawn closer to it amid shared concern over Iran and Islamist militancy.
The memorandum of understanding could herald intelligence cooperation, arms deals and joint military training, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said in Rabat.
After the signing ceremony with Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco’s defence administration minister, a senior Gantz aide said he saw a Moroccan market for Israeli counter-insurgency know-how.
“This is a deal that will enable us to help them with what they need from us, of course subject to our interests in the region,” the aide, Zohar Palti, told Israel’s Kan broadcaster.
“Morocco has for years been battling terror on several fronts, and is a country that is struggling against al Qaeda and global jihadi groups.”
Rabat had no immediate comment on Wednesday’s agreement. Its Royal Armed Forces said the countries previously signed an memorandum on cyber cooperation and data security – the latter a possible preamble to purchases of high-end Israeli military technologies.
The legacy of Trump’s administration continue to reverberates throughout the Arab world as Israel is cementing their newfound “friendships” – ensuring their continued relevance and existence in the volatile region.
Morocco will welcome this new arrangement, as they are surrounded by violent jihadists roaming about the Sahara while relationship with Algeria had worsen to a point that they had broken diplomatic relations.
The two north African neighbors is now seen by many as a potential flashpoint for war, with little to no intention by either side to soften their stance.