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Morocco acquires Israeli satellite in $1 billion deal, proving Abraham Accords remain resilient

The north African country signed the deal with Israel’s state-owned aerospace manufacturer this week

July 12, 2024 15:11
Israeli Aerospace Industries director of Space Opher Doron
Israeli Aerospace Industries director of Space Opher Doron speaking in front of the craft in December 2018, before it was sent to Florida to prepare for launch
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Morocco has signed a $1 billion deal with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), despite outcry over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Morroco reportedly finalised the deal with the state-owned aerospace manufacturer last year, signing it this week. The country will acquire an Israeli-made intelligence spy satellite, replacing their current models.

Economic and military cooperation began between Israel and Morocco in 2020, as part of the Abraham Accords. The historic bilateral agreements between Israel and Arab nations including Sudan, Bahrain and the UAE, normalised diplomatic relations.

Israel’s first agreement, made with the UAE, marked the first instance of Arab normalisation since 1994, when the Israel-Jordan treaty came into effect. In December 2020, Israel and Morocco established full diplomatic relations.