Israel and Somaliland are holding advanced discussions regarding the establishment of an IDF base in the territory of the unrecognized republic located near the coast of Yemen. In return, Israel may grant Somaliland diplomatic recognition and invest in the development of the country, according to a report published Wednesday by the Saudi outlet Elaph.
Somaliland’s president, Muse Bihi Abdi, has already hinted that “international recognition is approaching.” According to the report, construction has already begun on the island of Abd al-Kuri near Yemen, where a port, runway, and helicopter pad are being built—facilities that could also serve Israeli interests.
Israel deploys radar in northern Somalia
In addition, Israel has installed radar systems in northern Somalia, and IDF forces have been deployed to the Red Sea—indicating that military operations may have already commenced, even before an official agreement has been signed.
Egypt and Iran respond
The prospective move in Somaliland has not gone unnoticed. Egypt, which relies heavily on the Suez Canal for its economy, has warned of a “strategic threat” to its national security. In Iran, and among its Houthi proxies, the development is being seen as a direct provocation. Nevertheless, for Israel, this represents an expansion of the strategic and diplomatic axis formed by the Abraham Accords and a means of securing greater control over one of the world’s most critical trade routes—the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Permanent foothold in the southern Red Sea
If the initiative moves forward, the Israeli Navy will gain a permanent presence in the southern Red Sea, strengthening deterrence and intelligence capabilities against both the Houthis and Iran, while offering enhanced protection for maritime trade routes serving Israel and the wider world.
Notably, Somaliland had previously been mentioned as a potential destination for tens of thousands of Gazans under the framework of the Trump Plan. At that time as well, it was reported that Somaliland’s president was seeking American recognition in return.
