Yemen Monitor / Occupied Jerusalem / Exclusive:
Israeli media reports have revealed a strategic orientation in Tel Aviv toward recognizing the Republic of “Somaliland” (which is not internationally recognized), in a move aimed at gaining military depth that would facilitate air operations against the Houthi group in Yemen and create a new balance vis-à-vis Turkish and Iranian influence in the region.
The Hebrew newspaper Maariv confirmed that thinking about recognizing “Somaliland” is not merely a diplomatic step, but rather a military necessity that would grant Israel “strategic depth” and advanced operational capabilities for its air force. The paper explained that such a presence would enhance the reach of Israel’s “long arm” in confronting threats emanating from both Yemen and Iran.
According to the report, Yemen’s geographic distance from the occupied territories has posed an obstacle to sustaining military operations against the Houthis, as the lack of intelligence and the difficulty of reaching time-sensitive targets have complicated offensive plans. Establishing a presence in an area close to Yemen’s coastline, such as “Somaliland,” would give Israeli aircraft opportunities for aerial refueling, thereby facilitating precise and sustained strikes deep inside Yemen with lower logistical costs.
Beyond the military dimension, the move also carries a sharp political message to Turkey. Israeli circles believe that a presence in the Horn of Africa would demonstrate that Tel Aviv will not stand idly by in the face of Ankara’s ambitions to become a global power by expanding its influence in the Middle East and Africa. The step also aims to contain Iranian expansion, which uses the Red Sea as a corridor for arms smuggling and for supporting its allies in the region.
