On Thursday, Somalia’s government declared that Israeli ships would no longer be permitted to pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is a vital route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
This ban, reported by Iranian state media, was communicated by Abdullah Warfa, Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union. The decision seemingly follows Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
Somaliland is one of three semi-autonomous regions eager for separation from Somalia’s fragile central governance. The people of Somaliland argue they function independently in most ways and claim minimal ethnic or cultural connections to the larger Somali populace. They often highlight their government’s relative stability and efficacy in comparison to that of Mogadishu.
Interestingly, Somaliland was the first entity to officially recognize Israel as an independent state back in December 2025. Just last week, Israel appointed Michael Rotem, a former ambassador to Kenya, as its inaugural representative to Somaliland.
His appointment was met with applause in Somaliland’s parliament, but Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quick to criticize it as a blatant infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty.
There are also accusations directed at Israel regarding its intent to resettle Palestinians from Gaza into northern Somalia. The United Nations Security Council condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, with the exception of the United States, which abstained from the vote.
In March, Israel reportedly began exploring a security partnership with Somaliland, possibly involving a military presence in Berbera, a major port on the Gulf of Aden. Proximity to Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels makes Berbera strategically advantageous.
Somaliland’s leader, Kadar Hussein Abdi, mentioned that security relations with Israel could evolve, though they have yet to discuss the possibility of a military base.
A significant Israeli military presence would complicate efforts by both the Houthis and Somalia to enforce a blockade at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Consequently, it seems Somalia has initiated an embargo specifically targeting Israeli maritime activity.
Ambassador Warfa stated, “Any state that interferes in Somalia’s internal matters and undermines its territorial integrity will face consequences, which may include restrictions on Bab el-Mandeb Strait access,” hinting at this blockade in previous remarks.
This news understandably raises concerns among sailors from other nations. Given the region’s history with the Houthis and Iran, threats to maritime safety can be unpredictable, and identifying what constitutes an “Israeli vessel” may be ambiguous.
It’s unclear what measures Somalia might implement to uphold this blockade. International law experts noted that any actions against Israeli ships could be interpreted as an act of war since Somalia lacks the legal authority to deny passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Furthermore, with a limited navy and air force, Somalia doesn’t have the firepower to effectively threaten commercial shipping. However, its collaboration with the Houthis in Yemen introduces a considerable risk to civilian maritime traffic in the area.
