Israeli arms firms showcase weapons in Morocco despite Gaza genocide allegations
Eight Israeli defense companies attend Marrakech Air Show as military cooperation deepens despite international condemnation of Israel’s genocide in Gaza
MARRAKECH, Morocco (MNTV) — Eight Israeli arms manufacturers have participated in Morocco’s Marrakech Air Show for the first time under an official Israeli delegation.
The move highlights deepening military cooperation between the two countries despite mounting international condemnation of Israel’s devastating war on Gaza.
According to Middle East Eye, the participating companies include Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Their presence underscores Morocco’s growing defense ties with Israel since the two countries restored diplomatic relations in 2020.
Israel’s Defense Ministry established its first national pavilion at the exhibition, held from October 7 to 10 at a Royal Moroccan Air Force base in Marrakech.
The delegation showcased military technologies as Israel seeks to expand defense exports and strengthen international partnerships.
The displayed systems included drones, loitering munitions, autonomous navigation technology, artificial intelligence-powered robotics and satellite communications.
Israeli officials described the equipment as combat-proven, a selling point that has drawn criticism given the extensive destruction and civilian suffering caused by Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Morocco’s decision to host the Israeli defense delegation has raised questions about its commitment to Palestinian rights.
The partnership is expanding as Israel faces accusations of genocide over its war in Gaza, where widespread destruction, mass displacement and the collapse of essential infrastructure have devastated civilian life.
The International Court of Justice has considered proceedings brought by South Africa accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention.
In January 2024, the court ordered provisional measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza under the convention.
These measures were not a final ruling that Israel had committed genocide, but the underlying case has intensified international scrutiny of Israeli conduct.
Morocco’s military cooperation with Israel was formalized through a defense agreement signed in 2021, following the restoration of diplomatic relations.
The relationship has since developed across areas including air defense, drones, military equipment and defense manufacturing.
The growing partnership also serves Morocco’s ambition to develop a domestic arms industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
At the air show, Moroccan Defense Minister Abdellatif Loudyi discussed shifting from importing defense capabilities towards building national production capacity and greater defense sovereignty.
Reuters reported on October 8 that Moroccan defense firm Moroccan Military Industry plans to begin delivering armored vehicle turrets to the Moroccan army in March 2027.
The company is reportedly closely linked to Israeli defense technology, although it identifies itself as a Moroccan defense manufacturer.
For Palestinians, the expanding relationship raises concerns that commercial and military cooperation is continuing despite the scale of destruction in Gaza.
Critics argue that arms partnerships risk normalizing Israel’s conduct and weakening international pressure for accountability.
Morocco has historically expressed support for Palestinian statehood, making its expanding defense relationship with Israel particularly contentious.
The contrast between public support for Palestinian rights and closer military ties with Israel raises questions about whether diplomatic commitments are being matched by policy decisions.
Israel’s participation in Marrakech also highlights the uneven international response to its military conduct.
While some countries have restricted Israeli defense industry participation in military exhibitions, Morocco has provided a platform for Israeli manufacturers to promote their systems and pursue further cooperation.
The exhibition therefore represents more than a commercial opportunity for arms companies. It signals a deepening strategic relationship at a time when Israel’s actions in Gaza remain the subject of Israeli occupation and destruction under international law and demands for accountability.
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