Morocco Opens Its Land to Israeli Soldiers for “African Lion” Military Drills Amid Gaza Crisis
Controversial Move Sees Israeli Forces Join International Exercises in Morocco While Gaza Endures Destruction.
Watan-In a controversial move, the Kingdom of Morocco is opening its lands to Israeli soldiers as part of the U.S.-led “African Lion” international military exercises. This military participation comes at a time when Gaza continues to endure heavy bombardment, with children’s bodies being pulled from the rubble.
This is not the first time that relations between Rabat and Tel Aviv have seen significant developments since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, but it is the first time that Israeli soldiers have set foot on Moroccan soil for official military drills, amid public rejection and official silence.
The military exercise includes forces from several countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, and Morocco. Notably, Israel has been invited to participate for the second time. Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Gaza, where civilians are subjected to daily bombings and destruction, turning this military participation into a “stain” on the kingdom’s face, according to observers.
Morocco Hosts Israeli Military in Controversial Drills Amid Gaza Crisis, Sparking Outrage
Images and videos showing the Israeli flag alongside Arab flags on Moroccan soil sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with many considering it a “stab in the back” to the Palestinian cause. Others believe Morocco is continuing to play with fire on an issue of great sensitivity both politically and among the public.
The presence of the Israeli military in drills meant to enhance “regional security” raises genuine questions: What security are they speaking of? And what kind of partnership is being built on Palestinian blood?
The participation of the Israeli army in international exercises in an Arab country carries dangerous symbolic implications. On one hand, it demonstrates the extent of military normalization, while on the other, it weakens Morocco‘s position as a historical supporter of the Palestinian cause, a role it has always upheld diplomatically.
As Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza, Israeli soldiers are training in Arab lands, in their military uniforms, under the banner of “international” drills, while Palestinian children are suffocating under the rubble.
Has the Arab land become available to the occupier in the name of security partnerships? And who will have the courage to halt this decline?
