Israel-Somaliland ties could lead to Red Sea Israeli base, intel. gathering on Houthis - report
- Shir Perets
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
Original Author:Ā Shir Perets
Original Publication:Ā The Jerusalem Post
Date:Ā March 12, 2026
Curated Excerpt (Fair Use)
Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland is paving the way for a deeper strategic and security partnership that could culminate in the establishment of an Israeli military base on the Red Sea coast. According to Somalilandās minister of the presidency, Khadar Hussein Abdi, while a base has not yet been finalized, it will undergo formal analysis. This developing alliance provides Jerusalem with a crucial geographic advantage directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, enabling enhanced intelligence gathering and operational capacity against the Houthis, who have emerged as Iran's most formidable regional proxy.
The expanding bilateral relationship is simultaneously escalating geopolitical tensions across the Horn of Africa. The report highlights that an Israeli foothold in Somaliland serves as a strategic counterweight not only to Houthi dominance but also to Turkey's deeply entrenched influence in Mogadishu. With Ankara maintaining its largest overseas military training base in the Somali capital, Israeli officials are increasingly viewing Turkey as a primary regional threat, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett recently equating Ankara to "the new Iran."
Consequently, Somaliland's diplomatic pivot is drawing fierce resistance from multiple fronts. While Turkey has condemned the recognition as illegal, extremist organizations like Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Somalia have threatened retaliatory strikes against Hargeisa if an Israeli presence materializes. Despite these threats, Somaliland officials remain confident that a broader international policy shift is imminent, citing growing global fatigue over funding and militarily supporting Somalia's central government.
About the Author
Dan M. Ford is a junior research fellow at the Quincy Institute's Global South Program. Previously he served as a research and communications associate at the Global Interagency Security Forum in Washington, D.C.
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