French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is visiting Morocco on July 16, 2026 [1], amid allegations that Rabat spied on his administration.
The situation threatens to destabilize diplomatic ties between Paris and Rabat. The use of sophisticated surveillance tools against a head of government suggests a breach of trust that could complicate bilateral negotiations and security cooperation.
Reports indicate that Moroccan authorities allegedly employed Israeli spyware to monitor the communications of the French prime minister [1]. The surveillance was not limited to Lecornu; several other French ministers were also targeted [2]. These activities reportedly took place in the lead-up to the current diplomatic visit to Rabat [1].
The alleged intelligence operation is viewed as an effort by Morocco to gain a strategic advantage by monitoring French officials. By accessing private communications, Moroccan authorities may have sought insights into the French government's positions and objectives regarding regional relations, a move that mirrors previous global controversies involving Israeli-made surveillance software.
French officials have not yet issued a formal response to the specific allegations of spyware use. However, the timing of the reports creates a tense backdrop for the state visit. The use of such tools allows governments to infiltrate encrypted devices, granting access to messages, emails, and microphones without the user's knowledge.
Morocco has not provided a public comment regarding the use of Israeli technology to target its European partner. The visit on July 16, 2026 [1], was intended to strengthen ties, but the focus has shifted toward the security of the French delegation's communications.
“Moroccan authorities allegedly employed Israeli spyware to monitor the communications of the French prime minister.”
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between diplomatic cooperation and national intelligence priorities. The use of Israeli spyware, likely Pegasus or a similar tool, by a state against a close ally demonstrates how digital surveillance can undermine traditional diplomacy. If verified, this breach may force France to reassess its security protocols and its level of trust in Moroccan intelligence sharing.
