President of Somaliland wants Israeli presence in his country: "Maybe there will be one in the future, it will deter"

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Somaliland stated in an interview with ynet that his country needs security partners and does not rule out Israeli or American presence on its territory, in light of the Houthi advance in Yemen. He emphasized the importance of historic Israeli recognition of Somaliland, clarified that absorbing migrants from Gaza is not relevant, and called for joining the Abraham Accords.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of Somaliland, in a special interview with ynet, declared that his country needs security partners and does not rule out Israeli or American presence on its territory, given the escalation in Yemen and the Houthi takeover of a strategic port city. The president, who visited Washington for the first time, emphasized the importance of historic Israeli recognition of Somaliland as a milestone, noting that it led to the signing of a joint declaration for cooperation in economy, security, and trade. He acknowledged that the step has a cost and has created enemies from Somalia and other countries, but Kenya and Ethiopia refrained from condemning. Abdullahi clarified that absorbing migrants from Gaza is not relevant for his country and called for joining the Abraham Accords. He detailed economic priorities, including Israeli investments in water, tourism, and meat exports, and the desire to export professional labor. The president noted that Somaliland has a military force of about 25,000 soldiers and that there is currently no direct confrontation with the Houthis.

President of Somaliland wants Israeli presence in his country: "Maybe there will be one in the future, it will deter"