Israel expands Red Sea influence with historic Somaliland leader visit

Jerusalem, Israel – Israel hosted a formal welcome ceremony for Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Jerusalem, marking the first time a leader from the largely unrecognized territory has received such an honor. The visit comes six months after Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland's independence from Somalia.

“I come here as the president of Somaliland on the first state visit,” Abdullahi told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting. “For 35 years, we have asked the world to see us. And Israel and you are the first to see and recognize us.”

Netanyahu framed the decision through Jewish historical perspective: “This is very natural for us, because as Jews we remember being a small people asking the world for recognition of our rights, so there is a natural empathy with you.”

The visit combined high-level ceremony with substantive talks, as the two sides signed a strategic cooperation declaration. The goal is to turn diplomatic recognition into a broader partnership encompassing security, trade, and regional strategy. Somaliland's geography—situated across the Gulf of Aden and controlling a long coastline overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait—is considered key to Israel's Red Sea ambitions.

Against a backdrop of Israel confronting Houthi forces in Yemen and witnessing Red Sea shipping disruptions, the region has grown in strategic importance. Analysts say Israel views Somaliland as a rare expansion opportunity amid regional isolation following conflicts with Iran and its allies.

During the visit, Somaliland officially opened an embassy in West Jerusalem, a move against the practice of most nations due to Jerusalem's contested status, drawing criticism from Palestine, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Arab League. Abdullahi also attended memorial ceremonies at Theodor Herzl's grave and received the Friends of Zion Award.

On security matters, while Somaliland officials expressed interest in cooperation on water management, health, and agriculture, the focus centered on Israel's security interests. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar previously spoke of a “strategic partnership” and defense cooperation. Somali officials accused Israel of seeking to establish a military base, possibly linked to anti-Houthi operations, but Somaliland did not take a clear stance.

“There are no plans for a military base at present, but I cannot rule it out,” Abdullahi told Israel's i24 channel. Berbera Airport, near the Gulf of Aden, has recently been militarized, according to an analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel had cooperated with Somaliland for years “in secret” and expected to reach “new heights.” In contrast, Somali Foreign Minister Ali Omar expressed concern: “This intervention brings conflict to a region that has suffered enough.” He added that Somalia has repeatedly offered dialogue, except on the issue of unity.

Israel's recognition has internationalized the Somaliland issue, which had been frozen since 1991, when Somaliland declared independence. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Israel's intervention in Somaliland means “a very big problem is about to happen.”

Although the decision to invest in relations with Israel appears popular in Somaliland, dissenting voices have emerged. Former President Muse Bihi Abdi called for disclosure of the agreement's terms, fearing Israel might use Somaliland as a base against regional rivals. “Our constitution does not allow anything that harms Muslims or goes against our religion,” he stated. Islamic scholars in Somaliland are also divided on the issue.

On the international stage, the United States—Somaliland's main recognition target—has not changed its stance. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt expressed concern about unilateral recognition, alongside the African Union, the OIC, and the Arab League. Houthi forces warned they would consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland a “military target.”

Jama Abdullahi Igal Gabuush, a close aide to the Somaliland president, acknowledged that building relations with Israel carries risks but said Somaliland is willing to take them. “Somaliland must step onto the stage it has to step onto, and you make enemies because of what you want and who you want to become. And I think Somaliland is ready for that,” he said.

Both governments continue to push the relationship forward. During his meeting with Netanyahu, the Somaliland president announced the signing of the Strategic Cooperation Declaration, described as “the beginning of the most important phase in diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation.” However, Chatham House expert Yossi Mekelberg noted: “Netanyahu is seeking to continue ignoring the Palestine issue and approach other countries. Somaliland is building too much on this. It is important to them, but Israel cannot do everything.”