JERUSALEM

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz is set to travel to Morocco on Tuesday for a two-day official visit, in the first such visit by an Israeli defense minister to the North African country.

Gantz will meet with his Moroccan counterpart Abdellatif Loudiyi and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita during his stay, the official Israel 24 news website said, describing the visit as “historic”.

The Israeli defense minister will sign "a memorandum of understanding that will outline defense cooperation between the two countries,” the broadcaster said.

According to the news website, Morocco purchased an Israeli anti-drones system known as SKYLOCK and manufactured by the Israeli Skylock Systems company to protect vital civilian and military facilities.

Israel and Morocco announced on Dec. 10, 2020, the resumption of diplomatic relations after they were suspended in 2000 following the outbreak of the second Palestinian Intifada.

Morocco is the fourth Arab country to agree to normalization with Israel since 2020 after the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara