Benkirane’s Remarks Undermine Military Institution, Diverge from National Consensus, and Persist in Populist Rhetoric
Oussar Ahmed/
Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party, has sparked considerable controversy following his recent comments regarding the military institution, particularly his call to cease all forms of cooperation with Israel, including military collaboration.
During a meeting of the party’s general secretariat, Benkirane did not hesitate to express his rejection of what he termed the participation of Israeli army elements in the “African Lion” exercises that took place on Moroccan soil. He asserted that “this matter is unacceptable religiously, democratically, and nationally,” a stance seen as an overstep into the purview of military and sovereign decisions.
The Secretary General’s statements targeted decisions that fall within the military and sovereignty prerogatives of the Kingdom, at a time when the state’s directions lean toward a broader strategic vision that transcends narrow party interests.
Observers believe that Benkirane has once again opted for populist rhetoric, indirectly discrediting the Moroccan military institution without regard for the sensitivity of the current phase and the delicate geopolitical balances influencing the country’s actions in a highly complex regional environment.
His statements raise questions about the limits of party positions when it comes to the state’s strategic policies, especially given that they come from a former Prime Minister who was part of the decision-making system and is fully aware of the complexities surrounding security and military issues.
Analysts emphasize that Benkirane’s gestures toward the military, under the guise of solidarity with Palestine, provoke concerns over the exploitation of humanitarian issues to serve party agendas. They stress that the military operates within a framework of complete respect for national constants and the higher directives of the state, away from political maneuvering.
They warn against dragging the military institution into rhetorical battles that serve neither the Palestinian cause nor the national consensus, asserting that discussions on strategic issues should remain compliant with state institutions and not be a product of emotional speeches that overlook Morocco’s supreme interests.
