Israel and Morocco Strengthen Defense Cooperation with Permanent Attaché

Israel has taken a significant step in strengthening its defense cooperation with Morocco by installing a permanent defense attaché in Rabat. The move comes five years after the normalization of relations between the two countries. On November 9, 2026, Israeli Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram led a delegation to Rabat to consolidate military cooperation. The visit is seen as more than a diplomatic gesture, with Baram emphasizing that Morocco is not just a defense partner, but something more.

The visit by Baram, who was sent by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, included meetings with high-ranking Moroccan defense officials, as well as representatives from the royal palace and intelligence services. The Israeli delegation also included representatives from the military, and eight Israeli defense companies, including Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries, and Rafael, accompanied Baram on the trip. Discussions focused on equipment purchases, cybersecurity, and the development of a Moroccan defense industry.

The establishment of a permanent defense attaché in Morocco is a direct application of Israel's policy to strengthen defense cooperation with friendly countries and develop arms exports to support the growth of the Israeli military. The attaché, Colonel Sharon Itach, will oversee the deepening of military ties between the two nations. This move builds on a defense agreement signed in November 2021, during the first public visit by an Israeli Defense Minister to Morocco.

The two countries have been strengthening their military cooperation since the resumption of relations in December 2020. A joint military commission was established, which met for the first time in January 2023. The commission serves as a framework for cooperation, and both delegations confirmed their intention to continue plans for cooperation. Israeli military forces have been conducting joint training exercises with Moroccan forces in several areas.

The presence of Israeli defense companies in Morocco highlights the growing military cooperation between the two countries. The companies are discussing equipment purchases, cybersecurity, and the development of a Moroccan defense industry. Most contracts between Israel and Morocco are facilitated through government agreements, with Tel Aviv playing a key role.

The installation of a permanent defense attaché in Morocco follows a similar move by Israel in October 2026, when it established a national pavilion at the Marrakech air show. The pavilion included Israel's three major defense companies, and the move was seen as a signal of Israel's growing interest in the Moroccan market.

The deepening of military cooperation between Israel and Morocco is seen as a significant development in the region. The two countries are strengthening their ties in the defense sector, with a focus on cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity and arms development. The establishment of a permanent defense attaché in Morocco is a key aspect of this cooperation, and is expected to facilitate further growth in military ties between the two nations.

Key points

• Israel installs first permanent defense attaché in Morocco, deepening military ties
• The move builds on a defense agreement signed in November 2021
• Israeli defense companies are playing a key role in the growing military cooperation between the two countries