Sun Dec 28 23:06:37 UTC 2025: Summary:
Israel has officially recognized Somaliland, a move that has been condemned by the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have threatened to target any Israeli presence in Somaliland. The Houthis view Israel’s recognition as a hostile act against Somalia and Yemen, and a threat to regional security. Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic since 1991, holds a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has been seeking international recognition. The move has also been criticised by the African Union, Egypt, Turkiye, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, while the European Union insisted that Somalia’s sovereignty should be respected. Regional analysts say the move may give Israel better access to the Red Sea, enabling it to hit Houthi rebels in Yemen.
News Article:
Israel Recognizes Somaliland, Sparking Houthi Threats and Regional Condemnation
Jerusalem/Sana’a – In a historic move, Israel announced on Friday its official recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that unilaterally separated from Somalia in 1991. This marks the first instance of international recognition for Somaliland.
However, the decision has been met with strong condemnation, most notably from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have threatened to target any Israeli presence within Somaliland. “We consider any Israeli presence in Somaliland a military target for our armed forces, as it constitutes aggression against Somalia and Yemen, and a threat to the security of the region,” stated Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi.
The Houthi chief further described the recognition as “a hostile stance targeting Somalia and its African surroundings, as well as Yemen, the Red Sea, and the countries along both shores of the Red Sea.”
Somaliland, possessing its own currency, passport, and army, has been seeking international recognition for decades. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Aden makes it a potentially valuable partner for Israel. Analysts suggest that closer ties could grant Israel enhanced access to the Red Sea, potentially enabling it to counter Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The move has drawn criticism from several international actors, including the African Union, Egypt, Turkiye, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The European Union has also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty.
Somaliland has enjoyed relative stability compared to Somalia, where al-Shabab fighters continue to launch attacks. However, its lack of international recognition has left it diplomatically isolated. The implications of Israel’s recognition for the region’s stability and the potential for increased tensions remain to be seen.
First Piper 