Israel considers establishing military base in Somaliland - report
Officials say cooperation could include intelligence operations and a possible base near the Red Sea
Israel is exploring a strategic security partnership with Somaliland that could eventually include a military presence near the mouth of the Red Sea, Somaliland officials said according to a Bloomberg report. The discussions come as Israel continues its war with Iran and seeks ways to counter the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government recognized Somaliland in December, giving Israel its first diplomatic presence directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. Officials in Somaliland say the recognition is expected to be followed by deeper security cooperation between the two sides.
Somaliland’s Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi said the partnership could include a range of security measures. “In terms of security, we will have a strategic relationship and that encompasses a lot of things,” Abdi told the outlet in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. He added that the possibility of a military installation has not yet been formally discussed. “We haven’t discussed with them if it becomes a military base, but definitely there will be an analysis at some point.”
According to two Somaliland officials, the arrangement would allow Israel to gather intelligence and potentially conduct operations against the Houthis. The Iran-aligned group has launched long-range attacks against Israel and has targeted shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis have disrupted trade through the Red Sea for years, threatening one of the world’s most important maritime corridors. Their attacks on commercial vessels and regional targets have increased concerns among international shipping companies and governments about security in the waterway.