Israel and Somaliland: Security as an Entry Point into New Geopolitics

Israel and Somaliland are negotiating to expand cooperation in the field of security, including the potential deployment of an Israeli military base on the territory of the autonomy. This was reported in an interview with an Israeli TV channel by Deka Kassim, head of the political department of Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The statement came amid increased attention to the Horn of Africa region, where issues of maritime security, terrorism, and control of logistics routes have long gone beyond the local agenda.

The discussion of cooperation began just a week after Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially refuted statements by the president of Somalia about the possible resettlement of Palestinians and the deployment of foreign military facilities on this territory. Hargeisa made it clear: such decisions are not made without its participation.

First Official Visit of Israel to Hargeisa

The negotiations took place during the first official visit of Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar to Hargeisa. This visit was a logical continuation of the step Israel took earlier by recognizing Somaliland as an independent state.

For Somaliland, this is not just a diplomatic gesture. It is a rare precedent of direct recognition by a Middle Eastern player with significant military and intelligence potential.

Security, Sea, and Combating Threats

According to Kassim, the key focus of the negotiations is countering terrorism and ensuring the security of maritime routes. The Red Sea region and the Gulf of Aden remain vulnerable to piracy, illegal arms supplies, and the activities of radical groups.

Israeli expertise in intelligence, cybersecurity, and maritime monitoring is seen in Hargeisa as a practical tool for stabilization, rather than a symbolic partnership.

Broad Regional Context

Somaliland has effectively existed as a separate state since the early 1990s, but it is still seeking full international recognition. The possible deployment of Israeli military infrastructure could sharply increase its geopolitical weight — and simultaneously heighten tensions with Mogadishu.

The Somali authorities have already responded with harsh rhetoric, which only underscores the sensitivity of the topic. In a region where the interests of Middle Eastern countries, Africa, and global powers intersect, such steps rarely go without consequences.

What’s Next

In Hargeisa, they emphasize that cooperation with Israel is seen as a chance to strengthen security and emerge from the gray zone of international politics. However, further negotiations will depend on the reaction of neighbors and the overall configuration of forces in the region.

For Israel, this is another example of pragmatic foreign policy beyond traditional alliances — with a focus on security, logistics, and strategic depth. It is in this context that the story, which is being discussed today by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, is developing.