Hargeisa (Kaab TV) – Somaliland has responded to statements and reports suggesting that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is driven by hidden interests, despite the fact that neither Somaliland nor Israel has publicly disclosed what each side seeks to gain from this relationship and recognition.
Media outlets and analysts of diplomacy and politics have been discussing two issues said to be of interest to Israel: first, that Israel may be seeking to establish a base along the Red Sea corridor to protect itself from threats posed by the Houthi movement.
The Arab League has also argued that this move is part of an Israeli plan to acquire land to resettle Palestinians after they are displaced from their homeland.
However, the Director General of Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Abdirahman Hassan, stated that the agreement is purely diplomatic and does not involve any settlement-related issues.
He said, “These claims are being spread by people who want to damage Somaliland’s reputation. There has been no discussion or agreement on such a matter, and these allegations have no basis.”
He further added that there is no issue concerning Israel establishing a military base in Somaliland. “That claim is also unfounded and has never been discussed. As far as I can tell, it is an attempt to undermine the celebrations and happiness surrounding the recognition,” he said.
The Director General emphasized that Palestinians have the right to live on their own land, and that any lasting solution can only come through a just political dialogue, rather than forcibly removing people and resettling them elsewhere.