SAN’A — Yemen’s Houthi movement has strongly condemned reports suggesting that an Israeli official recently visited Somaliland regional administrations, describing the alleged move as a “provocative escalation” that threatens regional stability and violates Somalia’s sovereignty.
In a statement issued by the Houthi-controlled Ministry of Foreign Affairs and circulated through affiliated media outlets, the group said it “rejects and condemns” what it called attempts by Israel to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa through engagement with Somaliland administration.
The statement expressed “full solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia,” and warned against what it described as “Israeli schemes aimed at undermining the unity of Somalia and destabilizing the wider region.”
The Houthis also claimed that any Israeli presence or military cooperation in Somaliland would be considered a “hostile act” and could face retaliation, echoing earlier warnings made by the group’s leadership that Israeli involvement near the Red Sea corridor would be treated as a security threat.
Israel has not confirmed any recent official visit beyond previously reported diplomatic engagements with Somaliland authorities following its controversial recognition of the self-declared region in late 2025. That recognition drew widespread condemnation from Somalia, several Arab states, and regional organizations, while opening limited diplomatic contact between Israel and Hargeisa.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized, has defended its engagement with foreign partners as part of its effort to expand diplomatic and economic relations.
The latest Houthi statement adds to growing regional tensions linked to the war in Gaza and wider rivalries in the Red Sea corridor, where both Israel and the Iran-aligned Yemeni movement have increasingly clashed rhetorically and militarily.
