The Chief of the General Staff Concluded his Official Visit to the Kingdom of Morocco

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi, returned to Israel on Thursday after his first official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco.

During the visit, LTG Kohavi was welcomed by an honor guard and met with the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of National Defense Administration, Abdellatif Loudiyi, and the Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), LTG Belkhir El Farouk. The Chief of the General Staff also participated in a strategic panel chaired by senior directors and commanders, as well as a commemoration ceremony at the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II.

LTG Kohavi then toured the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s “Ben Guerir” Air Base and was briefed by the base’s commander on the local UAV threat and received a presentation regarding the base’s F-16 Fighter Jet Squadron. The Israeli delegation also visited the base of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (FAR) Paratroopers Brigade.

LTG Kohavi then visited the neighborhoods in which the Jewish community developed in Marrakesh and the Slat al-Azama Great Synagogue, where he attended a prayer service with members of the local Jewish community, some of whom immigrated to Israel with the "Youth Aliyah" organization, fought alongside the IDF in the Yom Kippur War and returned to the Kingdom of Morocco following its conclusion. LTG Kohavi also visited the ancient Jewish cemetery that was renovated by members of the community. Throughout this meaningful meeting, members of the Jewish community emphasized their connection to the State of Israel and the importance of their connection to the long-standing Jewish culture and tradition.

As the visit came to a close, the commanders agreed upon the joint work plan for 2023 and noted the IDF’s participation in last month’s “African Lion 2022” exercise. The work plan reflects the significant potential for joint activity between various branches and organizations. The strengthening of relations between the IDF and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) presents an additional military opportunity and is an important component of operational activity in the region while improving the IDF’s position within the Middle East. The Chief of the General Staff invited senior Moroccan military officials to visit the State of Israel.

Chief of the General Staff, LTG Aviv Kohavi:
"This unique visit is a result of a shared history, a deep friendship and a promising future. The deep and special bond between our nations is not just a bond between governments and militaries, but a bond between individual people, families and cultures. Our common values and challenges create a strong foundation for the deep cooperation between our militaries at the strategic, intelligence and operational levels. This visit is another example of the historic change in the region and the role the IDF has in creating future partnerships."