Tel Aviv: Israel is exploring and negotiating the establishment of a military base in Somaliland to counter Houthi threats in the Red Sea, according to foreign sources.
In December 2025, Israel accepted Somaliland as a sovereign state. This was a big diplomatic step that made it possible for the two countries to work together on security issues.
According to reports from March 2026, Israeli authorities are looking for possible intelligence outposts, drone platforms, or covert camps approximately 260 kilometres from Yemen along Somaliland’s coastline, including locations close to the port of Berbera.
Although there isn’t yet an official base agreement, Somaliland’s presidential minister said that a “strategic security relationship” is being developed, possibly involving studies for a military facility.
Israel is targeting Somaliland for a potential military base primarily to counter Houthi missile and drone threats from Yemen across the Gulf of Aden. The site’s proximity—about 260 km from Houthi positions—enables intelligence gathering, drone operations, and early warning systems to protect Red Sea shipping and Israeli interests.
Somaliland’s coastline, especially near Berbera port, offers elevated terrain ideal for reconnaissance platforms and defensive infrastructure against Iran’s strongest remaining proxy after losses to Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli officials surveyed sites there in June 2025 for such capabilities.
Plans accelerated amid 2026 Israel-Iran clashes, Houthi expansions in the Horn of Africa, and attacks on maritime routes like Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Houthis have missiles capable of striking Israel, making a forward presence critical post-Hezbollah and Hamas degradation.
In recent days, the Houthis launched two ballistic missiles at Israel. Both were intercepted.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
