Israel has been working to advance recognition of Somaliland, the small nation in the Horn of Africa, by additional countries, which granted it recognition about a week and a half ago.
In a conversation on Wednesday between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the issue came up, and India may be the next country to recognize Somaliland. For the Indians, strategic partners of Israel in trade to and from Europe, a foothold on the coast opposite the Bab al-Mandab strait is particularly important.
Trade from India to Europe has been damaged due to attacks by the Houthis, who are located on the other side of the Gulf of Aden. In the conversation with Netanyahu, other issues came up, including strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism, advancing initiatives on trade and communication routes, and collaborating in military technologies.
Israel Hayom has learned that, besides India, Israel has been holding discussions with other countries about recognizing Somaliland – countries that have identical interests to Israel on the issue. Among others, these include Ethiopia, which previously signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland authorities, and Kenya, which suffers from Islamist terror organizations whose bases are in Somalia.
At the end of last month, Israel became the first country in the world, and the only one so far, to recognize the independence of the African territory. This week, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar made a historic visit to Somaliland to mark Israel's recognition of the nation. His visit sparked significant anger. The recognition stemmed from strategic considerations – Somaliland sits on one of the world's vital shipping routes.
During the period of Houthi attacks and competition between powers, the Red Sea has become a central arena in Israel's national security. Whoever controls access to this space affects trade, energy, and maritime security. Israel cannot afford to remain a bystander.
