Somalia's President Vows to Block Israeli Military Presence

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that his country will not permit any Israeli military presence "under any circumstances." He asserted that Israel plans to establish a naval base in the port city of Berbera, located in Somaliland, which Israel recognizes, and gain access to its airport. Mohamud made these claims in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, suggesting that such a presence would grant Israel a strategic position closer to the Persian Gulf states and Iran. He vowed that Mogadishu would overcome challenges posed by Israeli actions and would not consent to Israeli presence on its territory.

Berbera is situated on the Gulf of Aden, opposite Yemen and near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping route. Control of this area is particularly significant amid Houthi attacks on shipping and threats to the strait. Israel recognized Somaliland in December 2025, a move not recognized by Somalia, which considers the region part of its territory.

The Somaliland authorities have rejected Mohamud's statements. The region's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the Somali president's remarks misleading, asserting that Mogadishu has no authority over Somaliland's foreign policy. They confirmed diplomatic relations with Israel and denied claims that Berbera could be used as a base for aggression.

Previous discussions about potential Israeli military presence in Somaliland have occurred. In September, Ahmed Dirie, head of the Israel-Somaliland Friendship Association, suggested to The Jerusalem Post that Somaliland could cooperate militarily with Israel against the Houthis, highlighting the region's strategic location. However, no official Israeli statements about establishing a naval base in Berbera have been made. Furthermore, in June, Somaliland's Minister of Defense Mohamed Yusuf Ali told Reuters that there was no Israeli military presence in the region and no negotiations for a base were underway. Therefore, President Mohamud's statement is considered his personal assertion about alleged Israeli plans rather than confirmation of a decided action.