Israel has become the world’s first country to recognize Somaliland, a self-governed state located in the Horn of Africa. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Friday, making Israel the first nation to recognize the country,” the Jerusalem Post reported.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that Israel recognizes “the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.”
“The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy,” the Israeli PM’s office added.
Diplomatic and strategic cooperation with Somaliland opens new possibilities for Israel in countering the threat of the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Somaliland, located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden, a few hundred miles from Yemen’s shores, could be key in deterring Houthis from conducting cross-border missile strikes and blocking the shipping in one of the world’s busiest waterways.
Israel views Somaliland as a strategic partner in combating Houthi terrorism. “The Israeli prime minister has unilaterally recognised the disputed state of Somaliland, which is seen as crucial in tackling the Houthi threat in the Red Sea and Strait of Aden where Iranian-sponsored Houthi terrorists have been attacking shipping,” British daily The Independent reported on Friday. “An Israeli government source confirmed to The Independent that the move was to build on efforts to “tackle Iran and its allies in the region” including the Houthis.”
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, briefly obtained independence in 1960, only to be absorbed by the Republic of Somalia. Somaliland again declared its independence from the Communist-led regime of Somalia in 1991, resulting in a deadly war of secession.
Unlike its southern neighbour, Somalia, the self-governing country has managed to create a functioning state and economy. “Though not internationally recognised, Somaliland has a working political system, government institutions, a police force and its own currency,” the BBC noted. “The former British protectorate has also escaped much of the chaos and violence that plague Somalia.”
In November, Tel Aviv-based think tank, The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), published a report explaining the country’s “security importance” for Israel:
Somaliland’s significance lies in its geostrategic location and in its willingness—as a stable, moderate, and reliable state in a volatile region—to work closely with Western countries. Its location at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden—opposite southern Yemen—linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean gives it a unique geostrategic importance. (…)(…) Somaliland’s coastline and territory lie roughly 300 to 500 kilometers from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including the port of Hodeidah. Since the Gulf states, the United States, and Israel have all fought the Houthis in recent years without achieving a decisive outcome, Somaliland’s location—and the possibility of operating from its territory—could be a game changer.Somaliland could serve as a forward base for a range of missions: intelligence collection and monitoring of the Houthis and their military buildup; logistical support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government in its war against the Houthis; and direct operations, from offensive actions to intercepting Houthi attacks at sea or by UAVs.
Jerusalem also sees the move as another step toward furthering President Donald Trump’s foreign policy in the region. Netanyahu’s office noted that the “declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.”
According to the agreement reached today, both countries will establish full diplomatic ties, open embassies, and appoint ambassadors. “I was glad to speak just now with the President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, on this important day for both countries,” Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar said after speaking with the president of Somaliland on Friday.
“We will work together to promote the relations between our countries and nations, regional stability and economic prosperity. I have instructed my ministry to act immediately to institutionalize ties between the two countries across a wide range of fields,” the foreign minister added.
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