The military cooperation between Israel and Morocco has significantly expanded, with Morocco becoming one of the largest clients of Israel's defense industry. According to a recent analysis by the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), Morocco has acquired various military equipment, including air defense systems, drones, intelligence gathering tools, artillery, missiles, and satellites. This significant buildup of military capabilities is raising concerns in Algeria about the potential threat to its national security.
Morocco has procured several advanced military systems from Israel, including the Barak MX system from Israel Aerospace Industries, Hermes and Heron drones, 36 ATMOS 2000 howitzers, and PULS rocket launchers from Elbit Systems. Additionally, Morocco is considering coupling Israeli LORA missiles, with a reported range of 400-500 kilometers, with the HIMARS mobile rocket launchers it is set to receive from the United States. This combination of advanced military capabilities is seen as a significant enhancement of Morocco's military power.
The growing military cooperation between Israel, Morocco, and Gulf states is part of the Abraham Accords, a framework that brings together Israel's technology and the financial resources of Gulf monarchies. The Accords have facilitated the exchange of military technology and financial support, enabling Morocco to acquire advanced military capabilities. According to an observer, part of the funding for these purchases is being provided by Gulf capitals, primarily the United Arab Emirates.
The buildup of Morocco's military capabilities, facilitated by Israel and Gulf states, is seen as a potential threat to Algeria's national security. Algeria's concerns go beyond the military equipment being supplied to Morocco, as it also worries about the formation of a network that combines Israeli technology, Gulf capital, and Western military partnerships. This convergence of interests and capabilities is perceived as a significant shift in the strategic balance of the Maghreb region.
The Marrakech Airshow, scheduled to take place from October 7-10, is expected to highlight the growing military cooperation between Morocco and Israel. Five Israeli defense companies, including IAI, Elbit Systems, Rafael, Xtend, and UVISION, will be participating in the event. This showcase of military technology and cooperation is likely to further emphasize the strengthening ties between Morocco and Israel.
Algeria's concerns about the growing military cooperation between Israel, Morocco, and Gulf states are driven by the potential impact on regional stability. The combination of advanced military capabilities, intelligence gathering tools, and financial support from Gulf states is seen as a significant threat to Algeria's national security. As the strategic balance of the Maghreb region shifts, Algeria is likely to remain vigilant about the potential risks and challenges posed by this growing military cooperation.
The situation is being closely watched by analysts and policymakers in Algeria, who are assessing the implications of this growing military cooperation for regional stability. While there is no formal military alliance between Israel, Morocco, and Gulf states, the convergence of their interests and capabilities is seen as a significant development that could have far-reaching consequences for the Maghreb region.
Key points
- Algeria is concerned about the growing military cooperation between Israel, Morocco, and Gulf states.
- Morocco has acquired advanced military capabilities from Israel, including air defense systems, drones, and missiles.
- The Abraham Accords have facilitated the exchange of military technology and financial support between Israel, Morocco, and Gulf states.
