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Rabat – Israel is reportedly expected to send a set of Merkava tanks to Morocco, which has been upgrading and reinforcing its military’s strength and equipment.
The new shipment comes as Rabat continues its “military improvement program hand in hand with Israel,” Spanish news outlet El Espanol reported.
The source added that Israel is set to sell the Merkava tanks to Morocco after withdrawing them from service and replacing them with a more modern model, adding that this comes amid pledges from both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Several other news outlets have reported on Morocco’s potential purchase of the Merkava tanks, including Defense Post.
The military focused website also recalled statements from Israeli defense officials, including Yair Koles, who reportedly confirmed talks between Rabat and Tel Aviv “for the potential sale of the armored vehicles.”
Back in June, the Times of Israel quoted Kulas, confirming that Israel is in talks with two countries, including one in Europe.
“There are two potential countries with which we are holding advanced negotiations [on a sale of the Merkava tanks],” he said. “I am barred from naming them, but one is on the European continent.”
The Merkava tanks have been Israel’s military defense battle tanks since the 1980s.
If confirmed, this army deal will not be the first of its kind between Morocco and Israel.
Morocco has been upgrading its military firepower with the purchase of high level military equipment from different parties, mainly the US.
Last month, Israel renewed its determination to boost bilateral and defense ties with Morocco.
Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant stressed his country’s readiness to boost cooperation with Morocco during a phone call with the Moroccan Minister Delegate in Charge of National Defense Abdellatif Loudiyi.
“We discussed the defense ties between our countries, which are critical to regional security and stability,” he said , stressing the importance and the need to further deepen cooperation.
