The Horn Israel, Somaliland and the Horn
Feb 19, 2026
Asher Lubotzky, senior research fellow at the Israel-Africa Relations Institute, explains Israel’s renewed focus on the Horn and Somaliland. He outlines motives for recognising Somaliland and links to Red Sea security. Short takes cover Israel’s historical ties in Africa, practical surveillance benefits, regional risks, and how Gulf rivalries may shape Israel’s role.
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Israel’s Historical Horn Connections
- Israel historically had episodic but strategic ties to the Horn, especially Ethiopia, driven by security and migration concerns.
- Popular Israeli awareness of the Horn remained limited despite a sizeable Ethiopian-origin population in Israel.
Cold War Logic Shaped Early Africa Policy
- In the 1950s–60s Israel cultivated African states to break regional isolation and gain allies against Egypt.
- Israel placed bases and deep ties in Ethiopia partly to secure Red Sea access and diplomatic support at the UN.
1973 Shift Reduced Israel’s African Footprint
- Israel’s African outreach peaked mid-20th century but collapsed after the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
- Rapprochement began in the 1990s but never returned to the earlier intensity.