Tel Aviv, Israel – Israel has become the first country in the world to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state. This move culminated months of secret contacts and reciprocal visits, sparking a storm of diplomatic condemnations and military threats from Yemen.
Behind the scenes of “Secret Communications” and the summer trip
The Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot revealed that this admission was the result of a joint effort. This effort was led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, the Mossad, and former National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi.
Saar revealed details of a “secret visit” made by the president of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, to Israel last summer. During the visit, he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials. Reports indicate that the two sides had been drafting the recognition statement together since last October. They were waiting for the “right moment” to announce it, at the request of Somaliland, to allow it time to finalize its security arrangements.
Mogadishu: Blatant aggression and rejection of “displacement plans”
In an angry response, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told parliament that the move was “a blatant attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.” He warned Netanyahu against trying to “bring his wars in the Middle East to Somalia.” He emphasized that his country would not allow the establishment of military bases used to attack other nations.
The Somali president also categorically rejected any deals involving the “forced displacement of the Palestinian people” to Somalia or anywhere else. He described attempts to divide his country as encouraging separatist movements worldwide.
Regional reactions: Arab condemnation and Houthi threats
The Arab League: The League Council, at the level of permanent representatives, condemned the Israeli move, describing it as “null and void.” It warned against the exploitation of northern Somali ports for the establishment of military bases serving Israeli agendas.
The Houthi group in Yemen described the move as a “conspiracy” and explicitly threatened to target any Israeli presence in Somaliland. They deemed it a legitimate “military target” for their forces, given the geographical proximity between the two sides.
Strategic Dimensions
Observers believe that Israel’s recognition aims to secure a foothold in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Horn of Africa. This raises concerns among neighboring countries that the region could become an arena for direct regional conflict, especially given the Houthi threat and the existing tensions in the waterways.
