By HAN News Desk
JERUSALEM / MOGADISHU — Israel has, for the first time, issued a public warning to Somalia, expressing concern over what it describes as Turkey’s expanding military influence in the Horn of Africa nation, including alleged plans to test the Tayfun ballistic missile, a weapon previously showcased as a threat to Greece and Israel.
According to reports cited by Hiraan Online, an Israeli government adviser, identified as Mr. Sheygal, claimed that Turkey’s activities in Somalia have reached a point that requires “closer monitoring.” He argued that Somalia’s geographical distance is “no greater than Iran’s,” invoking years of Israeli concern over Tehran’s nuclear and missile ambitions.
Sheygal referenced Israel’s long-held doubts about striking Iran’s nuclear programme—doubts that eventually gave way to covert and overt operations. He suggested that Israel may now increase surveillance, intelligence collection, and operational monitoring related to activities linked to Turkey inside Somalia.
The comments, reported by Israeli media, have sparked debate among analysts in the Middle East, some of whom argue that the remarks reflect overreaction and a misreading of regional dynamics. Experts told local media that cooperation between Turkey and Somalia is neither new nor secret, and that Israel’s discomfort with bilateral relations between two sovereign states is “surprising and misplaced.”
Turkey has been one of Somalia’s closest allies for over a decade, providing military training, development aid, infrastructure support, and investment. Ankara operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and has deepened defence cooperation with the Somali government in recent months.
Observers say Israel’s warning may be driven by rising tensions in the region and heightened sensitivity to missile developments following Turkey’s unveiling of the Tayfun, which it previously framed as capable of reaching key regional adversaries.
Somalia has not publicly responded to the reported Israeli remarks, and the Somali government has repeatedly stated that its defence partnerships—including those with Turkey—are designed to strengthen national security and stability.
