The waters of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have rarely been quiet. For decades, they have carried not only ships and trade but also tension, rivalry, and strategic competition. Today, with rising insecurity linked to groups like the Xuutiyiinta Yemen, the region is once again at a turning point. In this shifting landscape, a hypothetical but increasingly discussed scenario emerges: what if Israel were to support the development of Somaliland’s navy?

At first glance, it may seem like a distant geopolitical idea. But in reality, such a move could trigger a series of meaningful changes locally, regionally, and even globally.

A New Maritime Reality for Somaliland

For Somaliland, building a capable navy would represent far more than a military upgrade it would be a statement of state capacity. Despite its long coastline along one of the world’s most strategic waterways, Somaliland has limited maritime enforcement capabilities. This gap affects everything from illegal fishing and smuggling to broader security threats.

With technical support, training, and maritime systems potentially coming from a country like Israel—known for its advanced defense capabilities Somaliland could begin to assert more effective control over its waters. Ports such as Berbera Port could........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)