Israel Deepens Covert and Overt Ties with Somaliland Amid Red Sea Tensions

In a significant geopolitical shift, Israel became the first UN member state to recognize the breakaway republic of Somaliland as sovereign on December 26, 2025, opening new strategic avenues in the Horn of Africa. This move, formalized in a joint declaration with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has drawn international condemnation but positioned both parties for enhanced security cooperation.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly acknowledged years of clandestine operations during a June 17, 2026, meeting in Tel Aviv with the Somaliland president. Katz stated, “For many years, we cooperated under the radar in a series of operations that will remain classified. Now we are determined to bring our security cooperation to new heights,” confirming direct involvement in training Somaliland’s military and police forces. Somaliland officials have dismissed rumors of a full Israeli military base but affirmed ongoing training support.

Reports from CNN and corroborated by Middle East Eye and The Times of Israel indicate that Israel deployed special forces and operated a fighter jet refueling station in Somaliland during its recent conflict with Iran, leveraging the territory’s strategic location near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This aligns with earlier claims of a small contingent of Israeli personnel, including those of Ethiopian heritage for operational blending, deployed shortly after recognition.

The partnership extends to countering threats from Yemeni Houthis, with Somaliland officials expressing willingness for security alliances. UAE operations at Berbera Port, serving as a logistics hub, add layers of regional complexity, including reported arms transfers linked to Sudan’s conflicts. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has publicly signaled monitoring of developments on “Somali soil,” raising risks of expanded conflict axes.

Michael Lotem was appointed Israel’s first ambassador to Hargeisa in April 2026, following Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s January visit. Analysts from the Washington Institute and Atlantic Council note this enhances Israel’s Red Sea posture, potentially encouraging further international recognition while complicating relations with Somalia and others.