Morocco’s Strengthened Ties with Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
The ongoing Gaza conflict has led Morocco to strengthen ties with Israel, diverging from other Arab nations. Significant arms deals and defense collaborations underscore this shift, despite growing domestic opposition to normalization. Morocco’s strategic goals related to Western Sahara influence its relationship with Israel, revealing a complex diplomatic balance amid public protests and regional tensions.
The Gaza conflict has not weakened Morocco’s relationship with Israel; instead, it has strengthened ties. Morocco has notably deepened cooperation with Israel, contrary to other Arab nations like Saudi Arabia. For instance, in February, Morocco acquired 36 Atmos 2000 artillery systems from Elbit Systems, showcasing a shift from traditional suppliers like France.
In July of the previous year, Morocco opted for Israeli rather than European alternatives when upgrading its spy satellites, signing a significant contract with Israel Aerospace Industries for two Ofek-13 satellites worth $1 billion. As of 2023, Israel became Morocco’s third-largest arms supplier, following the United States and France.
Morocco’s diplomatic ties with Israel, formalized through the Abraham Accords in December 2020, have seen increasing collaboration, particularly in defense. High-level exchanges have occurred, including a visit from Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz. Although the ongoing conflict altered the visibility of these interactions, agreements continued to be established.
Moreover, Morocco permitted the INS Komemiyut, an Israeli Navy vessel, to refuel at Tangier, illustrating its willingness to engage with Israel despite broader public sentiment against normalization with the state. Demonstrations advocating for Palestinian support have been frequent, with a significant majority voicing opposition to normalization.
Public sentiment in Morocco has shifted notably as a result of the Gaza war. A poll indicated only 13 percent of Moroccans now support normalization with Israel, a decline from 31 percent prior to the conflict. University students have actively protested against collaboration with Israeli institutions, highlighting the discontent among the younger population.
Moroccan authorities have remained generally tolerant of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Nevertheless, there has been some repression against activists like Ismail Lghazaoui, illustrating the complexities Morocco faces balancing international relations with domestic sentiment. The Moroccan government has maintained ties with Israel, emphasizing humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza to appease public opinion.
The rationale behind Morocco’s strengthening ties with Israel revolves around national security and geopolitical strategy. In confronting threats, particularly from Algeria, Morocco views military cooperation with Israel as essential. Additionally, solid relations with Israel may facilitate American support for Morocco’s claims over Western Sahara in the international arena.
Morocco aims to secure greater recognition of its claims to Western Sahara and anticipates that deeper Israeli ties will bolster this aim. The kingdom is navigating a challenging diplomatic landscape, balancing its historical ties with Palestine against pragmatic alliances with Israel. Ultimately, Morocco seeks to enhance its strategic position while addressing domestic pressures.
In summary, Morocco’s relationship with Israel has strengthened in the context of recent regional conflicts, even as public sentiment largely opposes normalization efforts. The kingdom’s military procurement and diplomatic maneuvers reflect a cautious yet calculated strategy to enhance national security and uphold its territorial claims over Western Sahara. This dual approach highlights the complexities of Moroccan diplomacy, wherein international alliances are subtly aligned with the prevailing socio-political climate.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
