France, July 18 -- A new investigation by the Forbidden Stories journalism consortium alleges Morocco continued using the Israeli-made spyware to target French ministers, while Paris itself briefly explored buying the same surveillance technology.

According to the investigation, President Emmanuel Macron ultimately rejected the purchase in 2020 to avoid relying on foreign technology.

The latest revelations, published on Thursday, came as French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is on an official visit to Morocco to strengthen cooperation on security and other shared interests.

The reports "pose the question of the frankness of the discussion between France and Morocco", said journalist Laurent Richard, founder of Forbidden Stories.

Mor...