{"id":25323,"date":"2025-06-30T11:17:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T09:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaf-back.imholding.co.uk\/?p=25323"},"modified":"2025-06-30T11:17:26","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T09:17:26","slug":"israeli-military-bases-in-the-horn-of-africa-strategy-of-influence-and-redrawing-power-balances-in-the-red-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaf-back.imholding.co.uk\/en\/israeli-military-bases-in-the-horn-of-africa-strategy-of-influence-and-redrawing-power-balances-in-the-red-sea\/","title":{"rendered":"Israeli Military Bases in the Horn of Africa: Strategy of Influence and Redrawing Power Balances in the Red Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"

By: Dina Lamloum<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Coordinator of African Affairs Unit<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Israel\u2019s interest in the African continent extends beyond geopolitical objectives and interests to include military aims, primarily to expand its sphere of influence and dominance in the Red Sea region and to deter any current or future aggression. Israel thus seeks to establish military bases in the Horn of Africa, despite already possessing a military base in Eritrea. The choice may also fall on Somaliland, which is actively seeking international recognition, with Ethiopia potentially serving as a partner in this phase\u2014especially following Ethiopia\u2019s agreement with Somaliland to access the Red Sea. This context explains the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to Ethiopia in May, under the pretext of strengthening bilateral relations, security cooperation, and counterterrorism. However, Israel\u2019s moves may be independent of Addis Ababa, and such activities will impact the security and stability of the region, given the long history of violations and disregard for international and humanitarian law by both Ethiopia and Israel.<\/h4>\n

Israeli\u2019s Base in Eritrea<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Israeli-Eritrean cooperation dates back to the mid-1990s, evolving into a strategic alliance aimed at making Asmara a pivotal ally in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Israel established a military base on the Dahlak Archipelago, located 43 km from the Eritrean coast and 135 km from the capital. This is Israel\u2019s second-largest naval base outside its borders and one of the most advanced intelligence centers in the Horn of Africa and the Bab al-Mandab region, overlooking the Red Sea\u2014one of the world\u2019s most vital maritime arteries.<\/h4>\n

Israel utilizes surveillance towers atop the islands\u2019 mountains to gather intelligence on military activities in the Red Sea and neighboring countries, relaying this information to the Israeli Air Force for targeting military zones around the archipelago. The base also serves to monitor Iranian movements in the region and secure Israeli maritime trade. Israel has launched military operations toward Sudan from this base, under the pretext of Sudanese support for Hamas. Additionally, Israeli naval units off the Dahlak base were used to launch attacks on Lebanon during the July 2006 war and to fire rockets at Hezbollah positions.[1]<\/a><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dahlak Base[2]<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Expanded Israeli Military Movements in the Horn of Africa<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Despite possessing a base in Eritrea, Israel continues to seek military footholds in other Horn of Africa countries for several strategic reasons:<\/h3>\n

1- Enhancing Deployment and Diversifying Options<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Relying on a single base or country exposes Israel to risks in case of political or security changes, as occurred when Israeli forces at the Dahlak base were attacked in late 2023. Therefore, Israel aims to diversify its military and intelligence dependencies to mitigate risks and expand its operational reach.<\/h4>\n

2- Expanding Regional Influence<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Presence in multiple Horn of Africa countries allows Israel greater capacity to monitor maritime routes, Iranian and Turkish movements, arms smuggling, and activities of groups like Yemen\u2019s Ansar Allah (Houthis), thereby expanding its influence in a strategically vital region.<\/h4>\n

3- Securing Israeli Interests in the Red Sea<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The Red Sea is a crucial maritime passage for Israel. Multiple bases and centers enable Israel to better protect its interests and ensure they are not threatened by any regional actor.<\/h4>\n

4- Countering Threats and International Competition<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Multiple military bases empower Israel to counter regional and international rivals, such as Iran and Turkey, and to exert greater influence over the security dynamics of the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.[3]<\/a><\/h4>\n

Israeli Plans for Access to the Red Sea<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Israel may employ several tools to strengthen its presence in the Red Sea, either by supporting Ethiopia in acquiring a base in Somaliland and leveraging Addis Ababa\u2019s advantages or by directly recognizing Somaliland and establishing a base there. This would allow Israel to encircle the Houthis and influence the Red Sea\u2019s security equation:<\/h4>\n

1- Strengthening Israeli-Ethiopian Rapprochement<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n