Introduction
Israel and Morocco keep cooperation in agriculture, tourism and security. In 2020 the two countries signed a normalization deal. Security cooperation between Morocco and Israel involves the exchange of intelligence information, the trade of weapons and cyber technologies and joint exercises. Israel’s military and security exports to Morocco includes Heron drones, Barak missiles, Harop Loitering Munitions, PULS missiles. Since 2020, Morocco has purchased military equipment from Israel worth several billions of dollars. According to SIPRI, the Israeli Elbit is Morocco’s third-largest arms supplier at 11%. Moroccan authorities used the Israeli Pegasus spyware from the company NSO Group for unlawful targeting of activists, human rights defenders and journalists between 2017-2020.
Israel – Morocco Relations
Between 1994-2000, the two countries operated cooperation offices in Tel Aviv and Rabat, but Morocco stopped all official ties in October 2000.[1]Ministry of Finance: The halt of relations has mainly damaged Morocco, Ynet, 24.10.2000 In December 2020 the US announced that Israel and Morocco have agreed to establish diplomatic relations. Israel and Morocco plan to reopen economic liaison offices.[2]Morocco, Israel normalize ties as US recognizes Western Sahara In addition, US President Donald Trump announced that he signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, a disputed territory.[3]Morocco, Israel normalize ties as US recognizes Western Sahara In 2023 Israel also recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara.[4]IsraelDefense, Israel announced ecognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, 18.07.2023
Both countries kept cooperation in matters like tourism, agriculture, culture and academy. Many Israeli companies that were still active in Morocco after the year 2000, are not listed as Israeli companies there.[5]Ministry of Finance: The halt of relations has mainly damaged Morocco, Ynet, 24.10.2000 Morocco’s trade with Israel totaled $58m in 2016 and $37m in 2017 according to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics.[6]Morocco’s Trade with Israel Totaled $37 Million in 2017 In 2018, Israel imported $68m in Moroccan goods and exported $5m.[7]What does Israel stand to gain from relations with Morocco? – analysis The trade between the state continue rising with bilateral trade totaled $53.2 million over the first six months of 2024, marking a 64% rise from the same period last year. [8]Moroccow World News, Moroccan-Israeli Trade Surges Amid War on Gaza, 20.08.2024
A few meetings, both open and secret, between senior Moroccan and Israeli officials took place since the year 2000. In 2003, Israel’s foreign minister Silvan Shalom visited Morocco. In 2009, the Israeli and Moroccan foreign ministers secretly met in New York. News agencies reported that in February 2019 Israel’s premier minister Benyamin Netanyahu had a secret meeting with Morocco’s minister of foreign affairs, Nasser Borita, in New York.[9]TV report: Netanyahu held secret talks with Morocco foreign minister in New York
In August 2021 Israel’s Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, made a visit to Morocco and met with his Moroccan counterpart.[10]Lapid touches down in Morocco to kick off historic visit
In March 2022 Israel hosted the foreign ministers of the USA, UAE, Bahrain and Morocco for a summit.[11]Israel to host foreign ministers of US, UAE, Morocco and Bahrain in historic summit
In July 2022 IDF’s chief of staff, Aviv Kohavi, visitedin Morocco for first official trip by Israeli military chief. [12]The Times of Israel, Kohavi lands in Morocco for first official trip by Israeli military chief, 18.07.2022
Military Relations
Most of the security cooperation between Morocco and Israel was conducted secretly and therefore it is impossible to outline the scale and character of military cooperation. According to public foreign sources, security cooperation between the two countries mostly involves the exchange of intelligence information and the trade of weapons.
Morocco has purchased military equipment from Israel worth $1.2 billion between 2020-2022.[13]Report: Israel seeks to increase arms sales to Arab countries
2013: The Moroccan Air Force acquires three Heron drones for $50m from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
2014: A report by the British Department for Business, Innovation and Skills claims that Israel sold electronic warfare, communication, and control systems to Morocco through a third party.[14]Morocco and Israel : Cooperation Rooted in Heritage [15]The suprising collaborations of the Israeli Army
January 2020: The Heron drones were transferred from Israel through France, and according to reports, are to be deployed in the Western Sahara, reports say.[16]Morocco’s military said to receive 3 Israeli reconnaissance drones
March 2020: Israeli officials attended an anti-terrorism conference in Morocco.[17]In further sign of detente, Israel attends anti-terrorism conference in Morocco
November 2021: During an official visit to Morocco, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz signs a security cooperation agreement (MoU) with his Moroccan counterpart Abdellatif Loudiyi, which includes a commitment to signing and promoting weapons deals. It is the first time that Israeli military soldiers in uniform visit Morocco. Three Israeli army officers from the minister’s office participate in the delegation.[18]In Morocco, Gantz signs Israel’s first-ever defense MOU with an Arab country
November 2021: Morocco buys IAI’s Harop suicide drones (Loitering Munition) in a $22m arms deal.[19]Israel Aerospace Industries Got $22m From Morocco, Reportedly for Kamikaze Drones
21 November 2021: The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces purchase Skylock Dome Anti-Drone Air Defence System, that is designed and developed by the Israeli company Skylock Systems, a subsidiary of the Avnon Group.[20]Morocco Purchases Israel’s Skylock Dome System [21]Morocco Purchases Israel’s Skylock Dome System
December 2021: It is reported that Morocco and Israel are preparing to build two drone factories in the kingdom’s northeastern and southern areas in Morocco. Moroccan and Israeli official sources told “Shepard Media” that the joint project was made with the Israeli drone company BlueBird Aero Systems.[22]Morocco, Israel to build 2 drone factories
January 2022: It is reported that during 2021, Morocco purchased 150 mini drones (UAS WanderB-VTOL and ThunderB-VTOL) from the Israeli company BlueBird Aero Systems, now owned by Israeli Aerospace Industries.[23]Morocco bought 150 mini UAS WanderB-VTOL and the ThunderB-VTOL from Israel’s BlueBird Aero Systems
March 2022: An MoU in the aeronautics sector is signed between the Minister of Industry and Trade of Morocco and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of IAI.[24]Historic aeronautics MoU signed between Israel and Morocco IAI sells the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system to Morocco, a deal valued at $560 million.[25]Israeli defense exports reach record high of $11.3 billion in 2021 [26]IAI agrees $500m missile defense systems deal with Morocco
July 2022: Israel’s army chief makes a first ever official visit to Morocco and met with the Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.[27]Morocco, Israel continue to strengthen military ties with army chief visit to Rabat
2022: IAI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International University of Rabat (UIR) to establish a center of excellence in the fields of aeronautics, AI and innovation. [28]Globes, Morocco becomes huge customer for Israel’s defense industry, 10.07.2024
February 2023: Moroccan cyber leader participates in a panel alongside cyber leaders from Israel, UAE, Bahrain and US, in Cybertech Global 2023 in Tel Aviv. [29]Defense News, Watch: Cyber leaders of Israel, UAE, Morocco and Bahrain share the stage for a first-of-its-kind discussion, 09.02.2023
2023: According to leaked Pentagon documents, Morocco received first shipment of the Barak-MX defense system acquired in 2022. [30]Oussama Aamari, Morocco Receives First Shipments of Israel’s Barak MX Defense System, Morocco World News, 11.8.2023
March 2023: Morocco is said to purchase the Rafael Spyder air defence system.[31]Defense Industry Europe, Morocco to buy Spyder air defence system from Rafael, 20.03.2023
June 2023: Elbit Systems plans to open two sites in Morocco. [32]Israel Defense, Report: Elbit to Open Two Sites in Morocco, 13.06.2023
July 2023: The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco awarded Elbit a $150 million contract for PULS (Precise and Universal Launching Systems) missile launch systems.[33]Yabiladi, Moroccan Military Successfully test Israeli PULS missiles in Sahara, 21.03.2025
After announcing its recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, Israel has stationed a Defense Attaché in Rabat [34]IsraelDefense, Israel announced recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara, 18.07.2023
Morocco is negotiating with Elbit about the possible purchase of Delilah short-range cruise missile for its fighter jets.[35]Defense Industry Europe, Morocco intends to continue its purchases of Israeli-made weapons systems, 05.07.2023
April 2024: A new Bluebird drone production facility, which has been established in Morocco, is expected to start operations soon.[36]Israel’s BlueBird to Establish Drone Manufacturing in Morocco, Army Recognition, 19.4.24 In November 2025 it was published that the new factory will produce SPYX loitering munition.[37]Haaretz, In a factory near Casablanca Morocco will begin producing Israeli suicide drones, 16.11.2025
July 2024: Morocco has awarded Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) a $1 billion contract for the supply of two Ofek 13 spy satellites.[38]The Defense Post, Morocco Buys Advanced Spy Satellites From Israel, 15.08.2024[39]CTech, Israel Aerospace Industries strikes $1 billion spy satellite deal with Morocco, 09.07.2024
2024: IDF’s new landing craft, the INS Komemiyut, had a stopover in Morocco for refueling on the ship’s long journey from USA. In Tangier the crew stocked up with fuel and food in order to sail on to Israel. [40]Globes, Morocco becomes huge customer for Israel’s defense industry, 10.07.2024 In November, another ship suspected of transporting weapons to Israel stopped in Tangier port, after being refused to dock by Spanish authorities. [41]New ARAB, Did Morocco host a ship bound for Israel carrying weapons?, 12.11.2024
February 2025: Morocco has awarded a contract, valued at $175-230M, to Elbit Systems for 36 Atmos 2000 self-propelled howitzer.[42]Morocco World News, Morocco Opts for Israeli Atmos 2000 Artillery, Abandons French Caesar System, 08.02.2025[43]The Marker, Morocco Buys Arms From Israel and Hosts Joint Drills, 10.06.2025
March 2025: Moroccan military test Elbit’s PULS missiles system in the Saharan provinces.[44]Yabiladi, Moroccan Military Successfully test Israeli PULS missiles in Sahara, 21.03.2025
May 2025: The Israeli Elbit Systems is the leading candidate to supply Morocco with 105mm and 120mm turrets for its Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 vehicles.[45]Globes, Morocco mulls buying Elbit Systems turrets – report, 03.06.2025[46]IDRW, Morocco’s Whap 8×8 to Pack a Punch with Elbit’s 105mm and 120mm Turrets, 23.05.2025
Joint Drills
July 2021: Morocco’s special commando forces participate in an international counter-terrorism exercise in Israel.[47]Moroccan Army Aircraft landed in Israel for international drill
2022: Israel participates in an international military exercise in Morocco, named “African Lion 2022”, led by the U.S Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR).[48]Israel participates in int’l military exercise in Morocco
September 2022: A Moroccan delegation participates in an international military conference in Israel. The delegation was led by the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces.[49]Morocco confirms participation in military conference in Israel
May 2023: Israel participates in the “African lion” internation military exercise in Morocco, led by the U.S Africa Command (AFRICOM). [50]Israel Defense, In First, IDF Takes Part in “African Lion” Military Exercise in Morocco, 07.06.2023
2023: Training programs for Moroccan military personnel, aimed at familiarizing them with the operation of the Barak MX system. The training sessions took place both in Morocco and Israel. [51]Army Recognition, Morocco acquires Israeli Barak MX Air and Missile Defense System, 14.08.2023
May 2025: Soldiers from Israel’s Golani Brigade participated in the USA’s annual drill in Morocco, “African Lion”.[52]Haaretz, A Bootiful Friendship: Morocco Buys Arms From Israel and Hosts Joint Drills, 12.06.2025[53]Israel Hayom, Watch: Golani practiced tunnel warfare with an Arab army, 25.05.2025[54]The Times of Israel, IDF participating in US-led ‘African Lion’ military drills in Morocco, 20.05.2025
November 2025: Representatives from the Moroccan Army participated, alongside representatives from United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, India, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Estonia, Japan, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia in an international seminar held by the IDF on lessons learned from the recent war.[55]The Times of Israel, The IDF holding ‘international seminar’ on lessons learned from war, 16.11.2025
Cyber-Security
October 2019: Amnesty International reports that Moroccan human right defenders were targeted with Spyware of the Israeli company NSO Group since 2017.[56]Morocco: Human Rights Defenders Targeted with NSO Group’s Spyware [57]HACKED: THE STORY BEHIND THE ISRAELI SPYWARE TARGETING MOROCCAN JOURNALISTS
2019: Cellebrite participates in the World Border Security Congress in Casablanca, Morocco.[58]Cellebrite: World Border Security Congress, Casablanca, Morocco During a pitch at the conference, a Cellebrite official confirms the investigation of migrants and refugees with Cellebrite’s technology.[59]Surveillance Company Cellebrite Finds a New Exploit: Spying on Asylum Seekers
July 2022: Israel signs a cyber-security agreement with Morocco. The agreement between Israel’s National Cyber Directorate and Morocco’s General Directorate of Information Systems Security.[60]Israel signs cybersecurity agreement with Morocco
Usage of Israeli Arms
EL/M-2032 – In use on F-5E combat jets by the Royal Moroccan Air Force
Heron – In use by Royal Moroccan Air Force. will be used in the Western Sahara for surveillance of terrorist activity by separatist groups.
Hermes UAVs – Moroccan army operates from a base at the Smara airport in the Western Sahara using Elbit Systems Hermes 900 and Hermes 450 UAVs. The same drones are also used by Israel today in Gaza. [61]Globes, Morocco becomes huge customer for Israel’s defense industry, 10.07.2024
Tavor Assault Rifles – Moroccan Police was documented during a march with Tavor X95 rifles.[62]TAVOR chez la police marocaine, des preuves et des explications/
Pegasus – According to Amnesty International, Moroccan authorities used the Israeli Pegasus spyware from the company NSO Group for unlawful targeting of activists, human rights defenders and journalists like Omar Radi, Maati Monjib and Abdessadak El Bouchattaoui between 2017-2020.[63]Morocco: Human Rights Defenders Targeted with NSO Group’s Spyware [64]HACKED: THE STORY BEHIND THE ISRAELI SPYWARE TARGETING MOROCCAN JOURNALISTS
According to an investigation by Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International, published in July 2021, at least 35 journalists in four countries were selected as targets by an NSO client that appears to be the Moroccan government, based on the consortium’s analysis of the leaked data. Many of the Moroccan journalists selected as targets have been at some point arrested, defamed or targeted in some way by intelligence services. Others who were selected as targets – including most notably newspaper editors Taoufik Bouachrine and Soulaimane Raissouni – are currently in prison on charges that human rights defense organizations contend were instrumentalized in an effort to shut down independent journalism in Morocco.[65]PEGASUS: THE NEW GLOBAL WEAPON FOR SILENCING JOURNALISTS
Human Rights Violations
According to Amnesty International, in 2019, Moroccan authorities harassed journalists, bloggers, artists and activists for expressing their views peacefully, sentencing at least five to prison terms for “insulting” public officials and apparently targeting others with spyware. They restricted the rights to freedom of association and assembly by preventing some groups critical of the authorities from operating and by using unnecessary or excessive force to disperse demonstrations in Morocco and Western Sahara. Following an unfair trial, a court upheld prison sentences of up to 20 years against 43 people convicted in relation to social justice protests in 2017 in the northern Rif region.[66]MOROCCO AND WESTERN SAHARA 2021
Security forces arrested and detained thousands of migrants, forcibly transferring some to the south of Morocco and others to other countries. They forcibly transferred over 11,000 to the south of the country and expelled over 1,000 to their countries of origin, allegedly without following due process in many cases.[67]MOROCCO AND WESTERN SAHARA 2021
Women continued to face discrimination, including sexual and other gender-based violence, and prison sentences were issued in relation to alleged illegal abortions. Police continued to harass lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people (LGBTI) people; same-sex sexual relations between consenting adults remained a criminal offence. [68]MOROCCO AND WESTERN SAHARA 2021
Western Sahara:
Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front, an armed group demanding independence for Western Sahara, have been fighting over the disputed territory – a vast area bordering Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria that was previously under Spanish control – for decades.[69]Western Sahara conflict in 500 words It is claimed by Morocco, despite international opposition and fierce resistance from the indigenous population. Years of military affront between Morocco and the Polisario followed, leading to Morocco controlling 80% of the territory until the United Nations (UN) intervened. The conflict pushed most Sahrawis to seek refuge in Algeria, near the town of Tindouf, where they settled in camps organised by the Polisario and partly funded by the UN. About 180,000 people still live there to this day.[70]Off the Radar Human Rights in the Tindouf Refugee Camps [71]War brews in Western Sahara as Trump strikes Morocco-Israel deal In the parts of the territory controlled by Rabat, Sahrawis face systematic repression by the authorities. Demonstrations supporting Western Sahara’s self-determination are not permitted.[72]Morocco/Western Sahara Events of 2018 [73]Morocco and Western Sahara: a decades-long war of attrition
Beside of that, the Western Sahara, with a population estimated at 350,000 to 500,000, is believed to have considerable offshore oil deposits and mineral resources.[74]First Israel-Morocco flight arrives in Rabat to seal normalization deal
In 2010 Moroccan forces raided the Gadaym Izik camp, using live ammunition, tear gas and water cannons. 20 Saharawi were killed, with around 4,500 injured and 150 missing.[75]Spain presses Morocco over Western Sahara deaths
Fighting resumed in November 2020 after the end of a 30-year ceasefire. Polisario said it was returning to war because Morocco had breached a 1991 ceasefire agreement by sending forces into a demilitarized buffer strip. The purpose of the Morocco incursion was to clear Sahrawi protesters blocking a key highway for trade to sub-Saharan Africa.[76]War brews in Western Sahara as Trump strikes Morocco-Israel deal