The Middle East One Step Closer to Peace

Last week, Israel quietly made history. For the first time in over three decades, a nation officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state. This move is far more than a diplomatic gesture. It is a strategic gem, a bold stroke that underscores Israel’s growing role as the regional superpower it has become.

Somaliland, on the northeast tip of Somalia in equatorial Eastern Africa, is not just another name on the map. It declared independence in 1991 and has since functioned as a stable democracy in a region where governance often teeters on the edge of chaos. For years, Somaliland has maintained stability, held elections, and fostered a political culture that values accountability. Yet, despite its achievements, the world has largely ignored it, leaving it in diplomatic limbo. Israel’s recognition changes that dynamic overnight.

Why does this matter? Geography. Somaliland sits on the Gulf of Aden, directly across the Babel-Mandeb Strait from Yemen. That narrow waterway is one of the most critical chokepoints in global trade, a lifeline for oil shipments and commercial traffic between Asia, Africa, and Europe. On the other side of the strait lurk the Houthis, Iran’s proxy force, who have repeatedly targeted shipping lanes and threatened regional stability. By recognizing Somaliland, Israel has positioned itself to influence one of the most strategic maritime corridors on Earth.

This is not just about diplomacy. It is about defense. It is likely that Israel will establish a military presence in Somaliland, and that possibility should make Tehran very nervous. A base in Somaliland would give Israel a forward operating position near the Red Sea, within striking distance of Iranian supply routes and Houthi strongholds. Since the Houthis began firing missiles at Israel two weeks after the October 7 Massacre, Israel has repeatedly attacked the Houthis but the trip took three hours and required refueling along the way. Not any more. It would also provide a vantage point for monitoring maritime traffic and securing global trade routes. In an era where security threats are increasingly asymmetric, this is a masterstroke of strategic foresight.

Critics will argue that this move is provocative, that it risks inflaming tensions in an already volatile region. But let’s be clear: Israel is not acting recklessly. It is acting like the regional superpower it is. For too long, Israel’s strategic posture was defined by survival. Today, it is defined by influence. Recognition of Somaliland signals that Israel is no longer content to play defense. It is shaping the board, not just reacting to moves.

The reaction from Arab states speaks volumes. The only countries that did not condemn Israel were those already part of the Abraham Accords: the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. Silence, in this case, is golden. It suggests a tacit understanding that Israel’s move serves a broader regional interest: countering Iran. The UAE went a step further, quietly adding Somaliland to the list of countries eligible for entry visas. That is not a coincidence. It is a signal that the Gulf states see opportunity in Israel’s initiative and may follow suit.

This development also expands the spirit of the Abraham Accords beyond the Middle East. When those agreements were signed, skeptics dismissed them as transactional, limited to a handful of states. They were wrong. The Accords have become a framework for regional realignment, a platform for cooperation that transcends old boundaries. Somaliland’s recognition could be the first of many steps that bring East Africa into that orbit, creating a security and economic architecture that spans from the Mediterranean to the Horn of Africa.

For Israel, this is a chance to leverage its strengths – technology, intelligence, and military capability – in a way that enhances regional stability. A partnership with Somaliland could open doors for infrastructure development, cybersecurity cooperation, and counterterrorism initiatives. It could also provide Israel with a foothold in Africa, a continent that is increasingly central to global geopolitics. And let’s not overlook the symbolism. For decades, Israel was treated as a pariah in much of the Muslim world, particularly in Africa. Today, it is forging alliances with Muslim-majority nations, not through coercion, but through shared interests. Recognizing Somaliland is a statement: Israel is not isolated. It is integrated, influential, and indispensable.

This is not just a tactical maneuver. It is part of a long-term vision. Israel is building a network of partnerships that secures its borders, protects global trade, and fosters economic growth across regions. From the Abraham Accords to Somaliland, Israel is weaving a fabric of stability that stretches from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. In a world where power is measured by influence, not isolation, Israel has shown that leadership means thinking beyond today’s headlines and investing in tomorrow’s security. That is the hallmark of a true regional superpower and, in an area that respects power, that will bring the Middle East one step closer to peace.

Good things,

Ari Sacher