Israel and Ethiopia have discussed expanding cooperation on counterterrorism efforts, particularly targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia and the Houthis in Yemen, during a meeting in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
In a joint press conference, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos emphasized the growing connection between Al-Shabaab and the Houthi rebels, both posing significant threats to regional stability.
“Terrorism is a shared threat to our peoples,” Sa’ar remarked. “We are witnessing radical Islamic terror in our regions — Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, jihadists in Syria, and Al-Shabaab in Africa. Terror must be eradicated.”
Sa’ar highlighted the ties between Al-Shabaab and the Iran-backed Houthis, noting that the Houthis have escalated attacks since the October 7, 2023, assault by Hamas on Israel, including targeting Israeli shipping lanes and disrupting global trade.
“Ethiopia plays a critical role in combating the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization,” Sa’ar added. “Al-Shabaab collaborates with the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, further destabilizing the region. Since October 7, the Houthis have launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli civilians, disrupted global trade routes, and now threaten to block Israeli ships from the Red Sea. They are a threat to Israel, Africa, and the global order.”
Sa’ar also praised Timotheos’s visit as a step to deepen relations with African nations, calling Ethiopia “one of the leading countries in the region” and emphasizing their long-standing diplomatic ties.
In addition, Sa’ar announced plans to visit Ethiopia soon to continue discussions on regional security and cooperation.
US intelligence reports have revealed ongoing discussions between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab, with potential plans for weapon transfers. Officials are currently investigating whether these weapons have reached Somalia and whether Iran is involved in supporting these activities.
