Israel is reportedly examining the establishment of a forward military base in Somaliland, following its recognition of the territory’s independence in December 2025.
According to international reports, Israeli security delegations have already surveyed coastal areas, with a focus on locations near Berbera Port—just across the Red Sea from Yemen.
In parallel, military cooperation has expanded, including training visits by Somaliland officers to Israel, and preparations for a future Israeli diplomatic presence in the capital, Hargeisa.
The proposed base would serve several operational goals: enabling faster strike capabilities against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, improving early-warning systems for missile and drone launches, and helping secure maritime routes near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical artery for global trade.
