Israeli Defense Giant Elbit Systems Plans to Establish Two Sites in Morocco

Rabat – Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense technology company, has announced plans to open two sites in Morocco, Shai Cohen, head of Israel’s liaison office in Rabat, said during a press conference this week.

Elbit Systems is renowned for its expertise in developing and implementing advanced defense solutions. The opening of the new sites is considered as a strategic move for Elbit Systems as it aligns with the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and leveraging Morocco’s strategic position as a gateway to the African market.

While specific details regarding the locations and operations of the two sites are yet to be disclosed, Cohen confirmed that one of the facilities will be located in the Casablanca region.

The move comes as a result of the renewed diplomatic and economic relations between Morocco and Israel. The two countries reinstated diplomatic relations in December 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords. Since then, the two countries have been forging closer ties, fostering collaborations across various sectors, including defense.

Morocco Israeli ties

Diplomatic ties between Morocco and Israel are set to reach a new major milestone as recent reports indicated that Israel plans to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces in the Western Sahara region.

Days after Israeli diplomats celebrated their country’s national day in Rabat, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana arrived on Wednesday in Morocco to hold a series of meetings and bilateral talks with senior Moroccan officials.

During his visit, Ohana told the press that Israel is working to officially announce in the coming days and weeks its recognition of Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces, according to a report by the Moroccan news outlet Le360.

A “diplomatic source” who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday lent credibility to the report that Israel is condesiring an official announcement of its support for Morocco’s stance on the Sahara dispute.

“A diplomatic source told Reuters such a move by Israel could lead to an upgrade of bilateral ties, with the countries’ respective missions, currently designated as liaison offices, becoming economic embassies, and a free-trade pact possible down the line,” Reuters explained in a report.

If confirmed, Israel would be joining a growing list of countries that support Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.