Public reaction has intensified in Morocco following reports that Israel has established a permanent military liaison office in the capital, Rabat. The initiative, led by Sharon Etach, has triggered strong opposition from various Moroccan organizations, which view the move as a significant escalation in military, security, and technological cooperation between the two nations.
Condemnation and Demands for Transparency
The Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Opposing Normalization issued a statement on Thursday denouncing the creation of the office. The group characterized the development not merely as a diplomatic visit but as the institutionalization of a permanent military presence in the heart of the Moroccan capital. They described this shift as carrying highly sensitive political, security, and strategic implications, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.
The Front raised critical questions regarding the specific tasks, objectives, and jurisdictional boundaries assigned to the Israeli liaison. They emphasized that the Moroccan public has the right to know the details of this military presence, especially concerning intelligence sharing and security collaboration. The organization called for full disclosure of the agreements governing the office’s activities and demanded an immediate halt to all forms of military, security, intelligence, and technological normalization. They warned that deepening military partnerships with Israel does not contribute to regional stability but may instead foster tension and dependency on military alliances.
Similarly, the Moroccan Body for the Defense of National Causes expressed its condemnation, warning that the permanent office poses risks to national sovereignty and regional security. The group urged political, civil, human rights, and trade union forces to resist what they termed the imposition of normalization as a fait accompli.
Planned Protests and Solidarity with Gaza
In response to these developments, several civil society groups, including the National Working Group for Palestine and the Moroccan Initiative for Support and Victory, announced plans for a protest demonstration outside the Parliament building in Rabat on Friday evening. These actions are intended to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza, and to reject normalization policies.
The National Working Group highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestinian territories, describing an intensifying siege in Gaza and continued Israeli attacks in the West Bank and Jerusalem. They criticized the international community’s inability to stop the war and called for expanded popular support for Palestinians. The group urged citizens to launch initiatives focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, specifically addressing restrictions on aid delivery.
The Moroccan Initiative for Support and Victory designated Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as days of solidarity with Gaza, rejecting the blockade and starvation tactics. They stressed the urgent need to protect displaced persons facing harsh winter conditions, noting that many tents have been damaged or flooded by rain. With restrictions on aid continuing, fears are growing regarding shortages of food and basic necessities. These movements combine opposition to expanding military ties with Israel with calls for international action to end the war and lift the siege on Gaza.
