Live UpdateFrom the Liveblog of Monday, June 5, 2023

In first, IDF sending troops to take part in US-led drill in Morocco

By Emanuel Fabian 5 June 2023, 9:27 pm 0 Edit

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent.

An IDF contingent of soldiers from the Golani Reconnaissance Battalion in Morocco to take part in the US-led African Lion military exercises on June 5, 2023. (Israel Defense Forces)

In a first, the Israel Defense Forces is sending a delegation of troops to participate in an American-led drill in Morocco.

Twelve soldiers of the Golani Brigade’s reconnaissance unit are to join in the international drill, known as African Lion.

Last year, the IDF sent observers for the first time.

Some 18 countries and approximately 8,000 soldiers from the US military, Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, and the Ghana Armed Forces, are involved in the two-week drill.

“The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen the relationship between the countries. Additionally, to create a mutual learning opportunity allowing the foreign armies to share knowledge,” the IDF says.