Israel Plans Military Base in Somaliland Across Gulf of Aden

Multiple media reports say Israel is planning a military installation in the breakaway Somaliland region on the Gulf of Aden, prompting a formal warning from Somalia that its territory must not be used for external military operations.

“Somalia has warned that its territory cannot be used as a launching pad for military operations, after two media reports that said Israel is planning to establish a military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen”

Al Jazeera

Bloomberg and Sweden’s public radio Ekot reported plans for a base near the strategic port of Berbera, and Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Omar, told Al Jazeera that “Somalia does not want to see its territory pulled into external confrontations or used in ways that could further destabilise an already sensitive region.”

Al Jazeera

L'Antidiplomatico notes that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland in December and its stated intent to expand ties have rekindled geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa.

Mogadishu insists any security or military agreements must go through Somalia’s federal government and has rejected talks held outside that framework as legally invalid.

Al Jazeera quoted Ali Omar saying the “Federal Government is the only authority empowered to enter into international security or military arrangements on behalf of the country,” adding that “Any discussions about foreign military facilities on Somali territory that take place outside that framework simply have no legal standing.”

L'Antidiplomatico

L'Antidiplomatico reports that Somalia and neighbouring states have denounced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a violation of international law and a threat to Somalia’s territorial integrity.

Officials in Somaliland have offered mixed messages about a possible Israeli presence: immediately after Israel recognised Somaliland on December 26 their foreign ministry denied any military talks and said engagement was “purely diplomatic,” but other Somaliland officials have since suggested a base is being discussed or could be considered.

“Somalia has warned that its territory cannot be used as a launching pad for military operations, after two media reports that said Israel is planning to establish a military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen”

Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera recorded the ministry’s denial — “insisting its engagement with Israel was 'purely diplomatic'” — while noting that a ministry official later told Israel’s Channel 12 a base was “on the table and being discussed,” and Somaliland’s minister of the presidency told AFP he “could not rule out” an Israeli military presence.

China and regional actors have strongly criticised Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and any move toward a military foothold there, framing it as a potential destabilising step with wider geopolitical implications.

L'Antidiplomatico reports that Beijing “openly condemned the move, calling it a dangerous act that risks further destabilizing an already fragile region,” and that the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Somaliland is an “inseparable part” of Somalia.

L'Antidiplomatico

Eritrea described Israel’s recognition as a “stratagem” aimed at destabilisation, and L'Antidiplomatico says regional bodies and neighbouring states have raised alarms over territorial integrity.

Observers stress Somaliland’s strategic importance on the Bab al‑Mandeb and Gulf of Aden sea lanes, which helps explain international interest and the strong reactions from China and others.

“Somalia has warned that its territory cannot be used as a launching pad for military operations, after two media reports that said Israel is planning to establish a military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, directly across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen”

Al Jazeera

L'Antidiplomatico describes Somaliland as occupying “a crucial position near the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, a vital passage between Africa and Yemen and a key hub for global trade,” and notes China already has a base in Djibouti.

Al Jazeera

The Al Jazeera reporting situates the possible base across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen and highlights how the move intersects with wider regional tensions, including mention of the US‑Israeli confrontation with Iran that has raised stakes in nearby waterways.