Photo credit: ADN and FAR
Israel and Morocco expand defense cooperation
Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram is leading a delegation to Morocco on behalf of Defense Minister Israel Katz. The delegation includes IDF representatives.
According to the ministry, Baram met with Abdellatif Loudiyi, Morocco’s minister delegate in charge of the National Defense Administration; Mohammed Berrid, inspector general of the Royal Armed Forces; and senior Royal Palace and intelligence officials.
The ministry says defense ties have developed significantly since diplomatic relations were renewed in 2020 and a defense memorandum of understanding was signed in November 2021, including throughout the three years of war. Cooperation between the IDF and Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces includes joint training in various fields.
Israeli defense industries are highly regarded in Morocco, according to the ministry. Most defense deals are conducted through government-to-government agreements led by the Defense Ministry.
Israeli companies are also helping establish an independent Moroccan defense industry through joint ventures and offset procurement.
During the visit, Baram is scheduled to inaugurate the permanent premises of Israel’s Defense Attaché Office in Rabat. The office is headed by Col. Sharon Itach, Israel’s first resident defense attaché in Morocco.
The ministry says the visit reflects its strategy of deepening cooperation with friendly countries and expanding defense exports to strengthen the IDF’s force buildup, influence foreign policy, and bolster Israel’s defense industry and economy.
“Morocco is not just another defense partner. It is much more than that,” Baram said.
“Over the years, we have built a strong relationship based on trust, mutual respect, Jewish heritage, and deep historical ties between our peoples. We intend to continue developing relations between the countries to new heights and new milestones.”
Over 91,000 tents enter Gaza under winter preparedness plan
The IDF and COGAT say more than 8,200 trucks carrying tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing and other supplies have also entered the Strip. The plan has been advancing in recent months in coordination with the Board of Peace and in cooperation with the UN, international organizations and donor countries.
The IDF and COGAT say these efforts continue while Hamas refuses to disarm and exploits civilian areas and humanitarian aid for terrorist activity.
Water and sanitation projects include sewage removal and improvements to water networks. The IDF and COGAT are also facilitating the entry of 12 sewage vacuum trucks for the International Committee of the Red Cross.
In healthcare, entry has been approved for 7,500 vaccine doses for UNICEF and three mobile clinics for the International Medical Corps. Approvals also cover medications, medical equipment and fuel for hospitals and medical facilities throughout Gaza.
The IDF and COGAT say they have approved more than 850 requests covering tens of thousands of trucks carrying winter-related shelter, water, sanitation and healthcare supplies.
For approximately 50% of approved requests, they say the UN and international organizations have yet to bring the requested equipment into Gaza. They attribute this partly to logistical and budgetary challenges unrelated to Israel.
According to the IDF and COGAT, the UN and international organizations acknowledge they cannot guarantee that certain equipment they seek to bring into Gaza will not reach Hamas.
Citing the known risk of terrorist organizations rebuilding their capabilities, the IDF and COGAT say they are reviewing equipment and advancing alternatives to meet humanitarian needs while minimizing potential exploitation by Hamas.
