Morocco

Introduction

Israel and Morocco keep cooperation in agriculture, tourism and security. In 2020 both 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 meeting and exercises. Since 2013 the Moroccan Air Force acquired Heron drones, Barak missiles and Harop Loitering Munitions. Morocco has purchased military equipment from Israel worth $1.2 billion between 2020-2022. 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 at October 2000.[1]the demage of the stop of relations with Morocco 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

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.[4]the demage of the stop of relations with Morocco Morocco’s trade with Israel totaled $58m in 2016 and $37m in 2017 according to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics.[5]Morocco’s Trade with Israel Totaled $37 Million in 2017 In 2018 Israel imported $68m in Moroccan goods and exported $5m.[6]What does Israel stand to gain from relations with Morocco? – analysis

Few open and secret meetings between senior Moroccan and Israeli officials took place since the year 2000. In 2003, Israel’s foreign minister Silvan Shalom visited Morocco. In 2009 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 for foreign affairs, Nasser Borita, in New York.[7]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.[8]Lapid touches down in Morocco to kick off historic visit

In March 2022 Israel hosted the foreign ministers of the US, UAE, Bahrain and Morocco for a summit.[9]Israel to host foreign ministers of US, UAE, Morocco and Bahrain in historic summit

Military Relations

Most of the security cooperation between Morocco and Israel was conducted secretly and therefor it is impossible to outline the scale and character of military cooperation. According to public foreign sources, security cooperation between the two countries involves mostly the exchange of intelligence information and the trade of weapons. In a report by the British Department for Business, Innovation and Skills from 2014, it is claimed that Israel sold to Morocco electronic warfare, communication, and control systems through a third party.[10]Morocco and Israel : Cooperation Rooted in Heritage [11]The suprising collaborations of the Israeli Army

In 2013 the Moroccan Air Force acquired three Heron drones for $50m from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which were transferred from Israel through France in January 2020. They will be deployed in the Western Sahara, reports say.[12]Morocco’s military said to receive 3 Israeli reconnaissance drones

In March 2020 Israeli officials attended an anti-terrorism conference in Morocco.[13]In further sign of detente, Israel attends anti-terrorism conference in Morocco

In November 2021, during an official visit to Morocco, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz signed a security cooperation agreement (MoU) with his Moroccan counterpart Abdellatif Loudiyi, which included a commitment to signing and promoting weapons deals. It was also the first time that Israeli military soldiers in uniform have visited Morocco. Three Israeli army officers from the minister’s office were in the delegation.[14]In Morocco, Gantz signs Israel’s first-ever defense MOU with an Arab country

In November 2021 the Israeli Newspaper “Haaretz” reported that Morocco bought IAI’s Harop suicide drones (Loitering Munition) in a $22m arms deal.[15]Israel Aerospace Industries Got $22m From Morocco, Reportedly for Kamikaze Drones

Morocco has purchased military equipment from Israel worth $1.2 billion between 2020-2022.[16]Report: Israel seeks to increase arms sales to Arab countries

On 21 November 2021, the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces purchased Skylock Dome Anti-Drone Air Defence System, that is designed and developed by the Israeli company Skylock Systems, a subsidiary of the Avnon Group.[17]Morocco Purchases Israel’s Skylock Dome System [18]Morocco Purchases Israel’s Skylock Dome System

In December 2021, it was reported that Morocco and Israel are preparing to build two drone factories in the Al-Aoula region in Morocco. Moroccan and Israeli official sources told “Shepard Media” that the joint project was made with the Israeli drone company BlueBird Aero Systems.[19]Morocco, Israel to build 2 drone factories

In January 2022 it was 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.[20]Morocco bought 150 mini UAS WanderB-VTOL and the ThunderB-VTOL from Israel’s BlueBird Aero Systems

In March 2022 a MoU in the aeronautics sector was signed between the Minister of Industry and Trade of Morocco and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of IAI.[21]Historic aeronautics MoU signed between Israel and Morocco IAI sold the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system to Morocco, a deal valued at $560 million.[22]Israeli defense exports reach record high of $11.3 billion in 2021 [23]IAI agrees $500m missile defense systems deal with Morocco

In July 2022 Israel’s army chief made a first ever official visit to Morocco and met with the Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.[24]Morocco, Israel continue to strengthen military ties with army chief visit to Rabat

Joint Drills

In July 2021 Morocco’s special commando forces participated in an international counter-terrorism exercise in Israel.[25]Moroccan Army Aircraft landed in Israel for international drill

In 2022 Israel participated in an international military exercise in Morroco, named “African Lion 2022”, led by the U.S Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR).[26]Israel participates in int’l military exercise in Morocco

In September 2022 participated in an international military conference in Israel. The delegation was led by the Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces.[27]Morocco confirms participation in military conference in Israel

Cyber-Security

In October 2019 Amnesty International reported that Moroccan human right defenders were targeted with Spyware of the Israeli company NSO Group since 2017.[28]Morocco: Human Rights Defenders Targeted with NSO Group’s Spyware [29]HACKED: THE STORY BEHIND THE ISRAELI SPYWARE TARGETING MOROCCAN JOURNALISTS

In 2019 Cellebrite participated in the World Border Security Congress in Casablanca, Morocco.[30]Cellebrite: World Border Security Congress, Casablanca, Morocco During a pitch at the conference a Cellebrite official confirmed the investigation of migrants and refugees with Cellebrite’s technology.[31]Surveillance Company Cellebrite Finds a New Exploit: Spying on Asylum Seekers

In July 2022 Israel signed a cyber-security agreement with Morocco. The agreement between Israel’s National Cyber Directorate and Morocco’s General Directorate of Information Systems Security.[32]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.

Tavor Assault Rifles – Moroccan Police was documented during a march with Tavor X95 rifles.[33]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.[34]Morocco: Human Rights Defenders Targeted with NSO Group’s Spyware [35]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.[36]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 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.[37]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.[38]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. A new law confirmed Amazigh as an official language, alongside Arabic.[39]MOROCCO AND WESTERN SAHARA 2021

The 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.[40]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.[41]Off the Radar Human Rights in the Tindouf Refugee Camps [42]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.[43]Morocco/Western Sahara Events of 2018 [44]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.[45]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.[46]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.[47]War brews in Western Sahara as Trump strikes Morocco-Israel deal

References
1 the demage of the stop of relations with Morocco
2 Morocco, Israel normalize ties as US recognizes Western Sahara
3 Morocco, Israel normalize ties as US recognizes Western Sahara
4 the demage of the stop of relations with Morocco
5 Morocco’s Trade with Israel Totaled $37 Million in 2017
6 What does Israel stand to gain from relations with Morocco? – analysis
7 TV report: Netanyahu held secret talks with Morocco foreign minister in New York
8 Lapid touches down in Morocco to kick off historic visit
9 Israel to host foreign ministers of US, UAE, Morocco and Bahrain in historic summit
10 Morocco and Israel : Cooperation Rooted in Heritage
11 The suprising collaborations of the Israeli Army
12 Morocco’s military said to receive 3 Israeli reconnaissance drones
13 In further sign of detente, Israel attends anti-terrorism conference in Morocco
14 In Morocco, Gantz signs Israel’s first-ever defense MOU with an Arab country
15 Israel Aerospace Industries Got $22m From Morocco, Reportedly for Kamikaze Drones
16 Report: Israel seeks to increase arms sales to Arab countries
17 Morocco Purchases Israel’s Skylock Dome System
18 Morocco Purchases Israel’s Skylock Dome System
19 Morocco, Israel to build 2 drone factories
20 Morocco bought 150 mini UAS WanderB-VTOL and the ThunderB-VTOL from Israel’s BlueBird Aero Systems
21 Historic aeronautics MoU signed between Israel and Morocco
22 Israeli defense exports reach record high of $11.3 billion in 2021
23 IAI agrees $500m missile defense systems deal with Morocco
24 Morocco, Israel continue to strengthen military ties with army chief visit to Rabat
25 Moroccan Army Aircraft landed in Israel for international drill
26 Israel participates in int’l military exercise in Morocco
27 Morocco confirms participation in military conference in Israel
28 Morocco: Human Rights Defenders Targeted with NSO Group’s Spyware
29 HACKED: THE STORY BEHIND THE ISRAELI SPYWARE TARGETING MOROCCAN JOURNALISTS
30 Cellebrite: World Border Security Congress, Casablanca, Morocco
31 Surveillance Company Cellebrite Finds a New Exploit: Spying on Asylum Seekers
32 Israel signs cybersecurity agreement with Morocco
33 TAVOR chez la police marocaine, des preuves et des explications/
34 Morocco: Human Rights Defenders Targeted with NSO Group’s Spyware
35 HACKED: THE STORY BEHIND THE ISRAELI SPYWARE TARGETING MOROCCAN JOURNALISTS
36 PEGASUS: THE NEW GLOBAL WEAPON FOR SILENCING JOURNALISTS
37 MOROCCO AND WESTERN SAHARA 2021
38 MOROCCO AND WESTERN SAHARA 2021
39 MOROCCO AND WESTERN SAHARA 2021
40 Western Sahara conflict in 500 words
41 Off the Radar Human Rights in the Tindouf Refugee Camps
42 War brews in Western Sahara as Trump strikes Morocco-Israel deal
43 Morocco/Western Sahara Events of 2018
44 Morocco and Western Sahara: a decades-long war of attrition
45 First Israel-Morocco flight arrives in Rabat to seal normalization deal
46 Spain presses Morocco over Western Sahara deaths
47 War brews in Western Sahara as Trump strikes Morocco-Israel deal