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Middle East Eye
04-06-2025
- Business
- Middle East Eye
How Morocco's high-stakes gamble on Israel could be its downfall
The arrival of Israeli Golani Brigade forces in Morocco for the African Lion 2025 military drills has triggered political shockwaves across North Africa. It is not simply the military presence of a foreign power, but rather the symbolic weight of hosting a unit accused of war crimes in Gaza that has crystallised widespread anger among Moroccan citizens. Since the Abraham Accords, Morocco has increasingly aligned with Israeli and US interests in the military, intelligence and surveillance domains. This normalisation has been framed by the regime as a strategic imperative to counterbalance Algeria and bolster its position in the Western Sahara. Israeli military expertise - especially in drone warfare and desert surveillance - is seen as key to gaining an operational edge over the Polisario Front. But this pursuit of strategic depth comes at the cost of a widening legitimacy gap. Morocco's monarchy traditionally draws its legitimacy from religious symbolism, historical continuity, and the perception of national unity. By openly embracing Israeli forces - particularly units like Golani - the regime risks alienating wide swaths of the population and undermining its own national narrative. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The paradox lies in the regime's calculation: by asserting sovereignty and strategic relevance externally, it is eroding the foundations of consensus and cohesion internally. Why does the regime persist in this strategy, despite visible discontent? Rabat's logic appears to rest on several intertwined factors, including geostrategic utility, particularly with regards to the military and technological benefits it can gain from partnering with Israel; western endorsement, including a pathway to preferential access to US and European military and security frameworks; and controlled pluralism, or the belief that dissent can be managed without fundamental policy changes. Normalisation is also viewed as another way to undermine the influence of Algiers. Moral outrage This strategy, however, looks like a high-stakes gamble. The government is trading symbolic legitimacy for strategic gains, at the risk of political implosion. The monarchy appears to believe that the political system can absorb the current tensions without fundamental destabilisation, and that over time, normalisation will become an accepted - if not popular - aspect of Moroccan foreign policy. The Gaza war has not distanced Morocco from Israel, quite the opposite Read More » But this approach has inherent vulnerabilities. If protests escalate beyond the regime's capacity to manage them, or if the promised strategic benefits fail to materialise visibly, Rabat could face a scenario where it has sacrificed popular legitimacy without securing compensatory advantages. The sustainability of this strategy ultimately depends on whether the regime can deliver tangible national gains that justify the controversial alliance in the eyes of ordinary Moroccans. The eruption of protests in cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Fez and Tangier - despite tight restrictions on political expression - shows that Moroccan civil society retains significant mobilising power. The Moroccan Front for the Support of Palestine and Against Normalisation, a coalition of political parties and activist groups, has emerged as a key actor articulating public outrage and framing normalisation as betrayal. Yet the scope for meaningful impact remains constrained by several structural factors. Coverage of protests is limited in official Moroccan media, reducing national visibility and coordination. In addition, protest leaders often face arrest or surveillance, while other movements are fragmented or absorbed into the regime's orbit. Thirdly, there is a lack of political alternatives. With opposition parties marginalised or delegitimised, no cohesive political force has emerged to effectively challenge the monarchy's foreign policy direction. Despite these limitations, the ongoing mobilisation may plant the seeds for longer-term transformations. The moral outrage sparked by Israel's war on Gaza - and magnified by the visible presence of Israeli troops in Morocco - has created a transnational consciousness that connects local struggles with broader global injustices. Potential trajectories The Moroccan monarchy's embrace of military cooperation with Israel thus stems from a complex calculus that prioritises territorial sovereignty, regional competition with Algeria, and integration into western security frameworks. The regime appears willing to absorb significant domestic dissent to advance these strategic objectives, determining that the concrete benefits of normalisation outweigh the costs to its symbolic authority. The sustainability of this approach remains questionable. The unprecedented nature of current protests suggests that the Palestinian cause transcends Morocco's managed pluralism, touching core aspects of national identity that cut across ideological divides. The Moroccan regime's deepening alliance with Israel is not just a foreign policy shift; it is a rupture in the symbolic contract that binds state and society The regime's traditional tools for managing dissent - limited concessions, targeted repression and narrative control - face increasing challenges in an environment where a concrete Israeli military presence provides a visible rallying point for opposition. Going forward, several potential trajectories emerge. The regime may successfully contain dissent and gradually normalise security cooperation with Israel as a fait accompli, effectively relegating opposition to marginalised political spaces. Alternatively, sustained pressure could force a recalibration towards less visible forms of cooperation, maintaining strategic benefits while reducing symbolic provocations. In a more volatile scenario, the legitimacy crisis could deepen if regional conflicts escalate and Moroccan forces become even indirectly associated with Israeli military actions. Morocco's strategic gamble has fundamentally altered both its regional positioning and internal political dynamics. By prioritising militarised realpolitik over the emotional and ideological resonance of the Palestinian cause within Moroccan identity, the monarchy has initiated a transformation whose full implications may not become apparent for years to come - and it could have significant consequences for stability and governance throughout North Africa. The Moroccan regime's deepening alliance with Israel is not just a foreign policy shift; it is a rupture in the symbolic contract that binds state and society. Whether the monarchy can sustain this posture without provoking deeper domestic instability remains an open question. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.
Ya Biladi
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Houthi leader condemns Morocco-Israel military cooperation at African Lion
In a recent speech, Abdelmalek El Houthi sharply criticized the military cooperation between Morocco and Israel, specifically highlighting a joint «air exercise». He pointed to the participation of Israeli military personnel in the Moroccan phase of «African Lion 2025», which took place from May 12 to 23. «Arab countries participated in these trainings with the Zionist enemy», he lamented, without naming them. Notably, Qatar's military was also involved in the Iniochos 2025 air exercise organized by Greece from March 24 to April 13, which included an F-15 aircraft. El Houthi, however, chose to overlook Qatar's participation. Instead, he focused on Morocco, stating that «the Moroccan monarchic regime is involved in normalization». El Houthi condemned the presence of Israeli pilots in the Moroccan military exercise as «treason», emphasizing that «the Zionist air force commits crimes in Gaza against the Palestinian people». The Houthi leader had previously accused Morocco of «treason» in June 2024, claiming that «Morocco strengthened its economic cooperation with the Israeli enemy» during an earlier speech.
Ya Biladi
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
African Lion 2025 wraps up with Morocco at the heart of multinational security
The 21st edition of the African Lion 2025 military exercise has concluded this week after mobilizing over 10,000 troops from 50+ nations across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, announces a press release. For the first time, the exercise integrated defensive cyber operations and expanded CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) scenarios, alongside joint academic training. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, praised Morocco's role: «I want to thank Morocco for hosting African Lion and helping strengthen our collective security through rigorous, multinational training». Highlighting Morocco's strategic importance, U.S. Embassy Chargée d'Affaires Aimee Cutrona said, «As a major non-NATO ally and historic security partner, Morocco plays a pivotal role in promoting regional stability». The exercise featured HIMARS fire missions, airborne and amphibious operations, maritime interdiction, and humanitarian civic assistance programs that treated over 1,200 patients in rural areas. «Our medical personnel built readiness by executing critical war-time skills», noted U.S. Army Col. Kelley Togiola. Maj. Gen. Andrew Gainey, Commanding General of SETAF-AF, summed up AL25's impact: «African Lion 25 was a clear demonstration of how we project power, build trust, and deliver results… That's what readiness looks like—and that's what deterrence demands».
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia
The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint. At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, this strategic shift was evident. "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. This transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility. African Lion, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together troops from over 40 nations for a month of joint training in air, land, and sea operations. Exercises included drone flights, close-combat drills, and satellite-guided rocket launches. But alongside these maneuvers, the military's messaging has moved away from its traditional "whole of government" approach that combined defense, diplomacy, and development to stabilize fragile states. General Langley said that the U.S. now aims to build partner capacity rather than lead security efforts. "We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," he said, citing ongoing support for Sudan. Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly expanding their influence in Africa through military training, arms sales, and private mercenaries. China runs extensive cooperation programs, including joint exercises with several African nations, aiming to secure strategic partnerships and resource access. Russia, via the Wagner Group and other contractors, provides combat support in the Sahel and Central Africa, gaining ground in unstable regions. These moves challenge the U.S.'s traditional security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back. U.S. General Michael Langley stated: "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April: "We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format... Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to... assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services." As General Langley prepares to leave his post later this year, the U.S. military faces mounting challenges maintaining influence while encouraging African nations to assume greater security roles. Whether partners can rise to the task amid growing insurgencies and rival powers will shape the future of U.S.-Africa relations and regional stability. Related Articles The Young Putin Ally Winning Hearts Across Africa: Who Is Ibrahim Traoré?Trump Stuns South African President with 'Genocide' Video in Heated Clash$445 Million Plan Revived for Sub-Saharan Africa's Tallest TowerTrump Admin Appears to Have Deported Migrants to South Sudan, Attorneys Say 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Military Pullback in Africa Opens Door for China and Russia
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The U.S. military is shifting its Africa strategy away from long-standing efforts to address governance and root causes of conflict. Instead, Washington is pressing African security forces to operate more independently as America reduces its footprint. At African Lion 2025, the U.S. military's largest joint exercise on the continent, this strategic shift was evident. "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing," General Michael Langley, the top U.S. military official in Africa, told The Associated Press. Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Why It Matters This transition comes amid rising threats from Islamist insurgents and expanding influence by Russia and China on the continent. While the U.S. reduces direct involvement, militant groups affiliated with al-Qaida and Islamic State are gaining ground, increasing the risk of violence spreading beyond current hotspots. The shift also reflects Pentagon priorities under President Donald Trump's administration, focusing resources on homeland defense and expecting allies to assume greater responsibility. Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of... Gen. Michael Langley, USMC, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, center, and Major General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Moroccan Royal Armed Forces, attend the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What To Know African Lion, held across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together troops from over 40 nations for a month of joint training in air, land, and sea operations. Exercises included drone flights, close-combat drills, and satellite-guided rocket launches. But alongside these maneuvers, the military's messaging has moved away from its traditional "whole of government" approach that combined defense, diplomacy, and development to stabilize fragile states. General Langley said that the U.S. now aims to build partner capacity rather than lead security efforts. "We have our set priorities now — protecting the homeland. And we're also looking for other countries to contribute to some of these global instability areas," he said, citing ongoing support for Sudan. Beijing and Moscow Influence Meanwhile, China and Russia are rapidly expanding their influence in Africa through military training, arms sales, and private mercenaries. China runs extensive cooperation programs, including joint exercises with several African nations, aiming to secure strategic partnerships and resource access. Russia, via the Wagner Group and other contractors, provides combat support in the Sahel and Central Africa, gaining ground in unstable regions. These moves challenge the U.S.'s traditional security role and complicate Africa's geopolitical landscape as Washington steps back. A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025.... A target is hit with artillery fire as U.S and Moroccan military forces take part in the 21st edition of the African Lion military exercise, in Tantan, south of Agadir, Morocco, Friday, May 23, 2025. More Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP Photo What People Are Saying U.S. General Michael Langley stated: "We need to be able to get our partners to the level of independent operations. There needs to be some burden sharing." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in April: "We have held the first meeting in the new Russia-Alliance of Sahel States format... Russia confirmed today that it is prepared to... assist in formation of the Joint Forces of the Alliance of Sahel States by providing advisory services." What Happens Next As General Langley prepares to leave his post later this year, the U.S. military faces mounting challenges maintaining influence while encouraging African nations to assume greater security roles. Whether partners can rise to the task amid growing insurgencies and rival powers will shape the future of U.S.-Africa relations and regional stability.
