Spain Alarmed as Morocco-Israel Defense Pact Threatens Regional Power Balance

In a report titled "Red Cloud over the Sky of Madrid", the Spanish secret services warn against the rapprochement between Morocco and Israel, which constitutes "a real danger for Spain and the entire region", reports the Sama press agency. According to them, the defense agreement with Israel will make the kingdom a major regional power on the Mediterranean coast, as it will allow it to acquire high-tech military equipment.

Spain is concerned about this agreement, as it stipulates the establishment of a military base in Morocco, near the cities of Ceuta and Melilla. Opinions are divided on the issue. Spanish Admiral General Teodoro López Calderón believes that Morocco does not pose a threat to these two Spanish cities. He stated that Morocco is currently competing with Algeria on the "most dangerous problem" — the Polisario Front. Hence, Morocco’s recent accumulation of weapons. But this poses "no dangerous problem" for Spain or Ceuta and Melilla, he is convinced.

Professor Hussni Al-Obeidi thinks otherwise. According to him, the construction of a military base near the cities of Ceuta and Melilla could trigger an arms race in the region.