Israeli defense official Amir Baram visits Morocco to deepen security ties

Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram is in Rabat this week for meetings with senior Moroccan defense officials, aiming to expand defense exports and support an independent Moroccan defense industry. The visit also includes inaugurating a permanent Defense Attaché Office.

Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram is visiting Morocco this week for meetings with senior Moroccan defense officials, the ministry announced Tuesday. The meetings include the National Defense Administration minister delegate, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces inspector-general, and other senior officials from the Royal Palace and intelligence services. Since the renewal of diplomatic relations in 2020 and the signing of a defense Memorandum of Understanding in November 2021, security ties between Israel and Morocco have grown significantly, including during the three years of war, the ministry said. Most defense deals with Morocco are executed under government-to-government agreements led by the Defense Ministry. In a new move, Israeli defense industries are also supporting the establishment of an independent Moroccan defense industry through joint ventures and offset agreements. The delegation includes IDF representatives. During the visit, Baram will inaugurate the permanent premises of the Defense Attaché Office in Rabat, headed by Col. Sharon Itach, Israel's first permanent defense attaché to Morocco. Baram said, "Morocco is not just another defense partner. It is much more than that. Over the years, we have built a strong relationship founded on trust, mutual respect, Jewish heritage, and deep historical ties between our peoples."