Israel is studying the possibility of establishing a military and intelligence base in Somaliland as part of efforts to counter attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement (Ansar Allah), according to a report by Bloomberg.
The proposed facility would be located along Somaliland’s coastline, including an elevated site west of the port city of Berbera. The area lies about 260 kilometers across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, a location considered strategically important for monitoring activities in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.
According to the report, Israeli security officials visited Somaliland’s coast in June to assess potential locations suitable for surveillance equipment and intelligence operations. The base could be used to gather intelligence, install early warning systems for missile threats and support operations targeting Houthi forces, which have launched missile and drone attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea and on Israeli territory during the Gaza conflict.
Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025, becoming the first country to do so. The move opened the door to closer diplomatic and security cooperation between the two sides. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, though it has not received widespread international recognition.
Khadar Hussein Abdi, Somaliland’s minister of the presidency, told Bloomberg that the establishment of a military base had not yet been formally discussed, but confirmed that Somaliland maintains a strategic relationship with Israel covering several areas of cooperation.
The report also said Israeli representatives have taken preliminary steps toward establishing a diplomatic presence in Hargeisa, including renting secured rooms in a hotel while evaluating locations for a future embassy.
The development comes amid rising regional tensions involving Israel, Iran and the Houthis, who control large parts of northern Yemen and are considered one of Israel’s major security threats. The Houthis have previously warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be viewed as a legitimate target.
Berbera already hosts significant infrastructure developed by the United Arab Emirates. In 2017, Somaliland approved an agreement allowing the Emirati logistics company DP World to manage the port and develop related facilities, including a military airstrip.
Somalia’s federal government has previously criticized Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Analysts say the reported plan could further increase geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
