Israel Plans Military Base in Somaliland

Israel is reportedly considering establishing a military base in the self-declared state of Somaliland, a move aimed at monitoring and countering Yemen’s Houthi movement. In December last year, Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Bloomberg reported the development on Wednesday, 11 March.

According to two Somaliland officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the government has agreed to allow Israel to collect intelligence and conduct operations against the Houthis. Israel has already laid the groundwork for a potential base, with security personnel visiting the coastal regions of Somaliland last June to identify suitable locations for a facility capable of monitoring and confronting the Houthi-led Ansar Allah movement.

The proposed site lies approximately 260 kilometres across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen. In addition, Israel has rented a top-floor, blast-resistant suite in a hotel in Hargeisa, signalling preliminary steps for establishing a diplomatic presence.

Somaliland’s Minister in the President’s Office, Khadar Husein Abdi, stated, “Our security partnership will be strategic and multifaceted. Whether it becomes a full military base is under discussion, but it will certainly be analysed in the future.”

Strategic Importance and Security Considerations

The Houthi movement, closely aligned with Iran, has remained silent following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Iran has responded with attacks across the region, including Israel. During the Gaza conflict, Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli positions and international shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians.

An Israeli general confirmed the creation of a specialised intelligence unit to counter the Houthis, citing their possession of several hundred rockets capable of striking Israel. Recognition of Somaliland by Israel followed years of deliberation, with intelligence agencies considering the Houthis one of Israel’s most significant regional threats. Attacks in the Red Sea have reduced commercial shipping through the Gulf of Aden by approximately 70% over the last two years.

Somaliland and UAE Relations

Somaliland was part of the unified Somali Republic from 1960 but declared independence in 1991. Despite lacking recognition from any UN member states, Israel’s recognition in December marked a diplomatic milestone. The region near Berbera, 100 km west of the city, is considered a strategic site for a base. Berbera hosts a UAE-operated military airfield and a port managed by DP World.

In 2017, Somaliland accepted a UAE proposal to establish a military facility in Berbera. Satellite imagery shows a modernised naval port with hangars, deep-water docks, and a 4-kilometre runway capable of accommodating heavy transport and combat aircraft.

Somalia severed all commercial and security ties with the UAE in January, but Somaliland and Puntland have rejected this move, maintaining strategic and economic engagement. Israel’s emerging presence underscores Somaliland’s growing role as a pivotal hub in regional security dynamics, particularly in countering Houthi threats.