WhatsappPrime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel has officially recognized Somaliland has sent shockwaves throughout the region. While many countries have working relations with what has become a growing success story on the Horn of Africa, Israel is now the first country to go the next step.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed the declaration on Israel’s behalf, while Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed for Somaliland. Located on the Horn of Africa, Somaliland broke away from Somalia three decades ago and has, over time, built a stable country.
In a video released by Netanyahu’s office, the Prime Minister is seen speaking with Abdullahi: “I want you to know that I am signing now as we speak Israel’s official recognition of the Somaliland.”
Why is Somaliland such a big deal?
For one, Somaliland’s location across from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen makes it an ideal location for Israel to target the Iranian-backed militia. Israel can use the location to better collect intelligence on the Houthis, push back on piracy, and regain control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key choke point entering into the Red Sea.
Israel’s move not only pushes back against the Iranian axis but continues Jerusalem’s strengthening regional architecture against Turkey’s neo-Ottoman expansion. Last week, we witnessed a historic defense agreement between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. Now, Somaliland, cutting into Turkey’s growing presence in the Horn of Africa.
Israel’s advances are positioning it as a regional powerhouse, one that is willing to take on both the radical Sunni and Shiite players in the Middle East. It is for this reason that the UAE, which has a strong presence in Somaliland, has lent its quiet approval of Israel’s diplomatic, economic, and military moves in the Red Sea.
What’s Next?
While it is clear that Israel has gained the momentum in the region, Turkey and Iran will not sit back and watch Israel and its regional partners push forward in taking control of Middle East choke points and energy corridors. Israel will need to be on guard for Turkey’s coming moves, most likely in Syria. With a potential conflict about to erupt between Syria’s Kurdish militias and Jolani’s forces, Turkey will move to get more involved. Ankara may also test Israel’s posture in southern Syria by building bases in Daraa and the Damascus area.
Iran will also be on the move and will more than likely step up support for the Houthis who are looking to take advantage of the war that is unfolding between the other opposition forces in Yemen.
Regardless of Iran and Turkey’s next moves, Israel has proven that it too can play the strategic long game. Between its East Med alliance with Greece and Cyprus, and Jerusalem’s growing strength on the Horn of Africa, Israel’s ability to create the sort of regional architecture it needs to not only survive, but shape the Middle East’s future makes it thre real regional power.
