Israel Establishes Military Base at Berbera Airport in Somaliland Amid Regional Tensions

Israeli platform "Nativ Net" released aerial images of Berbera Airport in Somaliland, confirming its transformation into an Israeli military base.

The platform reported that the plans for Israel to establish a military base at Berbera Airport stem from significant diplomatic and strategic moves occurring at the end of 2025 and the start of 2026. This development could enable future attacks against the Houthis in Yemen, while Egypt is closely observing these activities.

"Nativ Net" highlighted that the publication of these images and maps follows Israel's official recognition of Somaliland as an independent state on December 26, 2025. Israel became the first country worldwide to acknowledge Somaliland's sovereignty after its separation from Somalia in 1991.

The Israeli platform explained that Israel’s interest lies in establishing a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa, just 260 kilometers from Yemen’s coast. This location would allow the Israeli Defense Forces to collect intelligence, deploy early warning systems, and conduct operations against the Houthis without requiring long flights or complex aerial resupply missions.

Additionally, "Nativ Net" reported the formation of an unofficial alliance called the "Berbera Axis," which includes Israel, a Gulf state, Ethiopia, and Somaliland. This coalition aims to counter Iranian and Turkish influence in the region.

Reports also indicated that Israeli security delegations have conducted field visits along Somaliland’s coastline since summer 2025 to identify suitable sites for the base.

Satellite images and reports reveal rapid engineering work at the airport, including the construction of underground aircraft shelters and air defense systems capable of hosting advanced fighter jets.

The platform added that Israel has begun establishing a fortified embassy in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, and Somaliland officers have arrived in Israel for training as part of security cooperation.

The concept of the base is reportedly in advanced stages, with Somaliland already integrated into a logistics network serving the Israeli Air Force.

Although some Somaliland officials have occasionally denied the existence of a finalized agreement for a permanent base, they acknowledged close strategic and security cooperation. Operational activities related to intelligence and logistics appear to have either started or are imminent.

"Nativ Net" noted that Turkey responded harshly, condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as illegal and unacceptable. Turkish President Erdoğan claimed this move harms Somalia’s sovereignty and undermines regional stability.

Turkey is reportedly collaborating with Egypt and Saudi Arabia to prevent other countries from recognizing Somaliland.

The platform also mentioned Egypt’s concerns that the Israel-Ethiopia connection through Somaliland could strengthen Addis Ababa’s position in the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

It is important to note that Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks official international recognition. Israel seeks to expand its military presence in the region to confront Houthi threats and Iranian influence, while Egypt expresses serious apprehension over any actions that might jeopardize its national security and strategic interests in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.