Tel Aviv (KAAB TV) – For the first time, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, declared that the Al-Shabaab group in Somalia poses a threat to Israel. He emphasized that Al-Shabaab now has connections with the Houthis in Yemen, who are supported by Iran. This statement came during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timotheos, who was visiting Israel on Wednesday.
Minister Sa’ar further highlighted that Ethiopia is playing a significant role in combating Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and Israel fully supports their efforts. He stressed the importance of eliminating not only Al-Shabaab but also the Houthis, Hamas, and jihadists in Syria, noting their interconnected threat to regional security.
This declaration underscores Israel’s view of Ethiopia as a crucial ally, particularly in the Red Sea region. Despite Ethiopia being a landlocked country, Israel believes it is vital for Ethiopia to gain access to the Red Sea. This would enable Ethiopia to play a more active role in regional security, especially against the Houthis. Israel’s support for Ethiopia’s strategic interest in accessing the Red Sea is evident in a plan currently in progress.
The visit of Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister to Israel comes amid a period of crisis in Ethiopia and increasing movement from Eritrea. In this context, the Ethiopian government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, is seeking international backing. Ethiopia has assumed a leading role in the fight against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, and strengthening diplomatic ties with Israel is now central to Addis Ababa’s international agenda.