Somalia will not accept an Israeli presence in the country under any circumstances and will resist attempts to pull the nation into Middle Eastern crises, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated in an exclusive interview. Al Jazeera reported that the Somali president accused Israel of planning to establish a naval base and use the airport in Berbera to get closer to Gulf states and Iran.
The planned military footprint ties directly to what Israel calls the “Greater Israel” project. Berbera sits on the Gulf of Aden coast in Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia that Israel recognized in December, across the water from Yemen near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb strait.
President Mohamud condemns Israeli naval plans
President Mohamud described Israel as a destabilizing force that disregards international law, pointing to Tel Aviv’s recent recognition of Somaliland. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and governed itself independently for more than three decades without securing recognition from any United Nations member state prior to the Israeli move. Mohamud noted that no country other than Israel recognizes the region, and local residents completely oppose an Israeli presence.
The Israeli plans involve establishing a naval base and utilizing the airport in Berbera. Mohamud stated that these maneuvers fall under the “Greater Israel” project, a term referring to proposals for Israeli control over territory beyond current borders. While Israel has not adopted the concept as official state policy, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an August 2025 interview that he felt connected to the vision, drawing condemnation from Arab governments.
Security Operations Against Al-Shabab and Regional Dynamics
President Mohamud identified the United States as Somalia’s strongest partner in the fight against terrorism. He added that al-Shabab has no presence in major cities, leaving no possibility of the armed group taking control of the country. Al-Shabab emerged from the Islamic Courts Union in the mid-2000s, pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda in 2012, and continues to fight the federal government while holding territory in parts of southern and central Somalia.
Regarding wider regional relations, Mohamud stated that Somalia’s ties with neighboring Ethiopia are good. Mogadishu does not object to Addis Ababa gaining access to the sea through a joint agreement to use Somali ports for economic interests. Ethiopia has remained landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993. A memorandum of understanding signed between Addis Ababa and Somaliland in January 2024 sparked a sovereignty dispute before Somalia and Ethiopia agreed to ease tensions.
Houthi offensive threatens Bab alMandeb security
Mohamud also accused Yemen's Houthis of destabilizing the region and disrupting shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The assessment follows a lightning offensive by the Houthi movement capturing Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, prompting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to promise no compromises on national security. The Saudi leader stated that the Yemeni rebels chose chaos and destruction, threatening the Yemeni people and the region.
Geographic location and diplomatic recognition of Somaliland
Where is Berbera located?
Berbera is a port city situated on the Gulf of Aden coast in Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northwestern Somalia that is claimed by Mogadishu.
Which countries recognize Somaliland?
Israel recognized Somaliland in December, making it the only country to extend official recognition to the region since it declared independence in 1991.
When did Ethiopia sign its port agreement with Somaliland?
Addis Ababa signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland concerning sea access in January 2024, which the Somali government initially condemned as a violation of its sovereignty before tensions eased.
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