Call for Action Against Israeli Military Presence
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement in Morocco has issued a strong demand for the cancellation of the participation of the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) in the upcoming Marrakech Airshow 2026, scheduled to take place from October 7 to 10. The movement is advocating for a boycott of the event and a thorough review of existing agreements and cooperation with Israel, particularly in the realms of security and military dealings.
BDS Morocco emphasized that IAI has confirmed its participation in the airshow, where it plans to showcase a range of advanced military systems and capabilities, which it claims are "proven in modern conflicts." The movement raised ethical and legal concerns regarding this participation, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Furthermore, BDS Morocco pointed out that Amnesty International has listed IAI among companies contributing to violations associated with the Israeli occupation and international crimes. The movement insists that military companies accused of involvement in genocide should not be allowed to participate in trade exhibitions.
The organization cited an incident during the 2025 Paris Air Show when French authorities shut down the booths of five Israeli military firms, including IAI, due to a dispute concerning the display of offensive weapons. They believe that allowing IAI to participate in the Marrakech event contradicts the popular demands against normalization with Israel.
BDS Morocco also highlighted the growing ties between Morocco and IAI, referencing a memorandum of understanding signed by the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade in March 2022 to foster collaboration in the aerospace sector. Additionally, there have been reports concerning agreements for the acquisition of the Barak MX air and missile defense system and the Ofek 13 satellite.
The movement has urged students, engineers, researchers, professionals, associations, unions, and civil society organizations to boycott the Marrakech Airshow and refrain from participating in its activities. They call for legitimate expressions of dissent against the use of the exhibition to promote products from Israeli military firms.
Moreover, BDS Morocco has demanded that organizing bodies cancel IAI's participation along with any other military companies accused of involvement in the genocide in Gaza, including Lockheed Martin. They are advocating for clear criteria to prevent exhibitions held in Morocco from becoming platforms for marketing products from companies implicated in violations of international law.
In conclusion, BDS Morocco reiterated its call for Moroccan authorities to reevaluate the agreements established with the occupying entity, particularly in the security and military sectors, asserting that the continuation of such partnerships contradicts the stance of a significant segment of Moroccan society that supports Palestinian rights and opposes normalization.
As reported by refugeesps.net.
