Former Israeli diplomat Freddy Eytan says recognizing Somaliland would give Israel strategic leverage in the Horn of Africa, strengthen deterrence against Iran and the Houthis, and secure key maritime routes
Jerusalem — Israel’s recognition of Somaliland would provide Jerusalem with a rare strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa and strengthen its leverage across the Arab and Muslim world, according to Freddy Eytan, a former senior adviser at Israel’s Foreign Ministry and Israel’s first ambassador to Mauritania.
Eytan, who previously served in Israel’s embassies in Paris and Brussels, described recognition of Somaliland as a calculated geopolitical move with far-reaching implications for regional security, maritime trade and Israel’s African diplomacy.
“In this sense, the recognition of Somaliland is undoubtedly an excellent initiative devised by Mossad,” Eytan said. “It provides Israel with leverage over the Arab and Muslim world and a significant strategic and economic presence in the Horn of Africa.”
Strategic access and regional deterrence
Eytan argued that Somaliland’s location along key Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes gives Israel strategic depth at a time of heightened instability across the wider Middle East and East Africa. Israeli officials have increasingly emphasized the importance of securing maritime routes amid rising threats to international navigation.
“The enthusiastic welcome from the local population also proves that many African countries strongly desire fruitful cooperation with Israel,” Eytan said. “Our duty is to keep our promises and not disappoint them.”
According to Eytan, recognition should be paired with sustained diplomatic and security engagement — including close coordination with United States — to counter shared regional threats.
“In this context, the United States must follow us in order to deter Iran, the Houthis of Yemen, and the Somalis, and thus guarantee the independence of Somaliland and free international navigation in this region of the world,” he said.
Africa policy and Israel’s regional calculus
Eytan’s remarks reflect a growing current within Israel’s strategic community that views Africa — particularly the Horn — as a central theater in the contest over regional influence. Israeli officials see Somaliland not only as a potential security partner, but also as a gateway for economic cooperation, intelligence sharing and diplomatic outreach across East Africa.
Supporters of recognition argue that backing Somaliland’s long-standing bid for international legitimacy would signal Israeli reliability to emerging partners, while enhancing deterrence against hostile actors operating along vital sea lanes.
Critics, however, caution that such a move could provoke backlash from regional powers opposed to altering the territorial status quo in the Horn of Africa. Still, advocates like Eytan contend that the strategic upside outweighs the risks.
“This is about long-term positioning,” Eytan said. “If Israel wants stability, influence and secure navigation routes, it must act decisively.”
