Israel DM in Morocco to formalise cooperation deals

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz arrived in Morocco last night to begin a two-day visit during which he is expected to “formalise” cooperation deals between the two countries.

Before boarding his flight at Ben Gurion Airport, Gantz said: “This is an important and historic visit.”

Gantz is planned to meet with Moroccan Defence Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.

“This is the first formal visit by a defece minister to this country,” he said, according to the Times of Israel. “We will continue to strengthen bilateral ties. It is eminently important that we have a successful journey.”

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz (R) and Moroccan Defence Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi (L) in Morocco on 24 November, 2021 [@gantzbe/Twitter]

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz (R) and Moroccan Defence Minister Abdellatif Loudiyi (L) in Morocco on 24 November, 2021 [@gantzbe/Twitter]

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz arrives in Morocco on 24 November, 2021 [@gantzbe/Twitter]

Morocco resumed diplomatic relations with Israel in December last year in return for the US recognising its sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid traveled to Morocco in August to inaugurate Israel’s diplomatic mission in Rabat in the first visit to the country by an Israeli minister since 2003.

Ahead of today’s visit, the Moroccan military announced that it had purchased Israel’s Skylock Dome anti-drone air defence system.

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