Israeli Soldiers Join African Lion 2023 For First Time

Rabat- Israeli soldiers are set to participate for the first time in the African Lion 2023, a multinational military training operation jointly organized by Morocco and the United States.

Running from June 5 to 16, this collaborative exercise brings together over 8,000 soldiers from 18 countries, facilitating valuable training opportunities and fostering international cooperation.

“This is the first time that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are taking an active part in the ‘African Lion’ international exercise,” said a statement from the Israeli army reported by AFP.

A delegation of 12 soldiers and commanders from the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion – an elite infantry unit – has been deployed to partake in the training.

For the first time, the Israeli Defense Forces will take an active part in the “African Lion” International Exercise in Morocco, joining 18 countries and approximately 8,000 soldiers from the U.S. Armed Forces, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the Ghana Armed Forces.

— Michael Dickson (@michaeldickson) June 5, 2023

This marked departure from last year’s involvement, where Israel participated solely as international military observers, underscores the growing partnership between Israel and Morocco.

During the two-week exercise, the Israeli soldiers will focus on honing their skills in various combat scenarios, including urban and underground warfare. These immersive training sessions will culminate in a joint exercise involving all participating armies.

The IDF statement further emphasized the importance of this engagement, showcasing Israel’s commitment to enhancing their capabilities in challenging operational environments.

African Lion 2023 encompasses a wide array of military activities. These include operational planning, combating weapons of mass destruction, tactical land, sea, and air training, special forces operations, and airborne exercises.

The military training will be conducted across seven regions in Morocco, namely Agadir, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Kenitra, Benguerir, Tifnit, and Mahbes in southern Morocco.

The event was formally inaugurated with a ceremony on June 5, during which military representatives unveiled the training’s theme and detailed the various activities scheduled for the duration of the exercise.

Notably, the African Lion initiative also includes military field hospitals, providing crucial medical services to nearby communities during the training, emphasizing its commitment to humanitarian efforts.

Since the normalization of diplomatic ties in December 2020, Morocco and Israel have been actively strengthening cooperation in multiple areas, including the military, security, trade, and tourism sectors.

The participation of Israeli soldiers in African Lion 2023 further cements the growing partnership between the two nations, opening new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange.