Israel Says It Secretly Worked With Somaliland for Years

JERUSALEM – Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that his country has worked with Somaliland discreetly for years, as he met with the leader of the breakaway. The meeting marked a further deepening of ties between Tel Aviv and Hargeisa since Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence in December 2025.

“Israel and Somaliland share a longstanding friendship rooted in common interests, democratic values, and a commitment to security and stability. For many years, we have cooperated quietly in a number of activities that will remain confidential,” Katz said in a statement from his office.

“We are now determined to raise our security cooperation to new levels for the benefit of both peoples and the stability of the region,” he added during his meeting with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who is currently on his first state visit to Israel.

Security, Economic, and Political Cooperation

The talks centered on ways to “strengthen security, economic, and political cooperation between the two countries,” Katz’s office said. The meeting follows a series of high-level engagements between the two sides, including Israel’s formal acceptance of Somaliland’s first ambassador, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, and Somaliland’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem.

Somaliland has indicated it is prepared to offer Israel rights to valuable mineral deposits in exchange for technology and investment, reflecting the broad scope of the emerging partnership.

Covert Military Cooperation and Base Speculation

The meeting comes amid growing reports of covert military cooperation between the two sides. A CNN investigation revealed that Somaliland provided Israel with a covert military position during the recent war with Iran, allowing Israeli aircraft a potential stopping point on long-range flights. The report detailed how Israel secretly deployed elite units and intelligence personnel to several countries, including Somaliland.

Retired Israeli Brigadier General Amir Avivi told the Israel Defense and Security Forum in May that “Israel is building capabilities in Somaliland… we have a base now.” His remarks align with intelligence reports and regional statements indicating that Israel intends to establish a strategic military presence in the region, though Somaliland officials have offered contradictory statements on the matter.

Somaliland holds a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and operates with its own currency, passport, and army, but it has struggled to secure international recognition amid concerns that doing so could anger Somalia and encourage other separatist movements across Africa.

Strong Reactions from Mogadishu and Regional Actors

The deepening ties have drawn sharp condemnation from Mogadishu. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed to confront any Israeli military presence in Somaliland, warning that a base would not serve defensive purposes but would facilitate involvement in foreign conflicts.

The Somali government has repeatedly cautioned Israel over its engagement with Somaliland, describing it as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. The African Union, the Arab League, Turkey, Egypt and others have all rejected the recognition and called for its immediate revocation.

A Western diplomat told AFP earlier this year that “there is a widespread assumption that there is already an Israeli military or security presence in the country.” Retired Israeli Brigadier General Amir Avivi further stated that “people are not aware, but the Israeli navy has been operating in the area.”

Way Forward

As President Irro’s visit continues, the opening of an embassy in Jerusalem and the deepening security ties represent a significant escalation in Somaliland’s diplomatic offensive. For Mogadishu, the developments confirm its worst fears: that Israel is using Somaliland’s quest for recognition to establish a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa, bringing with it the conflicts of the Middle East and exposing the region to new security risks.