3 years of war accelerate Israel's defense expansion in Morocco
Director General Amir Baram inaugurated the new facility after meeting with senior Moroccan military leaders to formalize long-standing security cooperation.
By Samuel Hayes ·
Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram arrived in Rabat on Tuesday to officially open Israel’s permanent defense attaché office. The facility marks a tangible expansion of the security infrastructure that the two nations have maintained since they restored diplomatic relations in 2020.
Baram led a delegation that included representatives from the Israel Defense Forces. During the visit, he met with key figures in the Moroccan defense establishment. These included Minister Delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi and Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces Mohammed Berrid. Officials from the Royal Palace and intelligence services also attended the meetings.
The opening of the office follows a 2021 memorandum of understanding that formalized defense ties between the countries. The agreement streamlined cooperation between their defense establishments and facilitated arms sales. It also simplified the process for the militaries to share intelligence. The ministry stated that security relations grew throughout the three years of war that have occurred since the renewal of ties.
Israel and Morocco first established low-level diplomatic relations in the 1990s following interim peace accords with the Palestinians. Those links were suspended after the Second Intifada began in 2000. The relationship was revived in 2020 when the Trump administration recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara region. In exchange, Rabat agreed to normalize relations with Israel. Morocco became the third country to join the Abraham Accords after the UAE and Bahrain.
The defense ministry noted that Israeli defense industries are highly regarded in Morocco. Most defense deals are executed under government-to-government agreements. Israeli firms are also supporting the creation of an independent Moroccan defense industry through joint ventures and offset agreements.
The new office is headed by Col. Sharon Itach, Israel’s first-ever military attaché to Morocco. Since 2020, the IDF has developed connections with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. This includes joint drills and high-level visits. Former IDF chief of staff Aviv Kohavi visited Morocco in 2022. In 2023, former Israeli Air Force chief Tomer Bar made a similar trip. That same year, an IDF delegation participated in a major American-led military drill held in the country.
Baram described the partnership as a relationship founded on trust, mutual respect, and deep historical ties. The ministry said the visit reflects a strategy to deepen defense cooperation with friendly nations. The goal is to expand defense exports to strengthen the IDF’s force buildup and bolster the Israeli defense industry.
