Israel, Somaliland discuss possible military base – report

Asked whether “a military base is on the table and part of the discussions,” Qasim replied, “Yes, it is.”

By World Israel News Staff

Israel and Somaliland are holding discussions on security cooperation that could include an Israeli military presence in Somaliland, according to senior Somaliland officials, marking a significant shift following Israel’s recent recognition of the territory.

Deka Qasim, head of the political department at Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry, told Israel’s N12 News on Wednesday that security cooperation between the two sides is under discussion. While she stopped short of confirming a final decision, Qasim acknowledged that the possibility of a military base is being considered.

“I cannot say exactly whether there will be a military base or not,” she said, “but I can say that it depends on the agreement that will be signed between the countries after the opening of the embassies.”

Asked directly whether “a military base is on the table and part of the discussions,” Qasim replied, “Yes, it is.” She added that security cooperation would focus on counterterrorism and strengthening stability in the maritime arena.

The comments came just days after Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry had officially denied discussions of such cooperation, and one day after Gideon Sa’ar concluded his first-ever diplomatic visit to the territory.

Sa’ar visited Hargeisa on Tuesday, holding a series of high-level meetings that marked a deepening of ties following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. At the conclusion of the visit, Sa’ar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi announced plans to open embassies and appoint ambassadors, formally establishing diplomatic relations.

“These are historic days that we hope will mark the beginning of a deep friendship between our peoples for many years to come,” Sa’ar said, emphasizing that Somaliland is “not a virtual state,” but a functioning democracy that has maintained stability for more than three decades.

The visit also drew sharp regional reactions. Somalia’s Foreign Ministry issued what it described as a “strong condemnation” of Sa’ar’s arrival in Hargeisa, claiming the visit constituted an unauthorized entry into what Mogadishu defines as its sovereign territory.

The prospect of Israeli security cooperation in Somaliland has also triggered threats from the Iranian-backed Houthi movement.

Following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a “military target,” calling the move an act of “aggression” against Somalia, Yemen, and regional security, according to AFP.

The Houthis have escalated attacks against Israel since joining Hamas following the October 7, 2023 massacre in southern Israel. Israel has since carried out multiple strikes on Houthi terror targets in Yemen in response to missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory and Red Sea shipping.

Regional analysts cited by AFP note that Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, near key Red Sea shipping routes, could significantly enhance Israel’s ability to counter Houthi threats and protect maritime traffic.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has also drawn diplomatic backlash from Africa. Earlier this week, the African Union’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Council called for the immediate revocation of Israel’s recognition, condemning the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and, while remaining largely unrecognized internationally, maintains its own government, armed forces, currency, and passport.

Gideon SaarHouthisSomalilandYemen