Israel Backs Ethiopia’s Red Sea Access Bid, Ambassador Says

Israel has given diplomatic backing to Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, according to Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise, who told the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) that his country “stands firmly” with the East African nation’s efforts to secure maritime access to the Red Sea. The ENA report is datelined Addis Ababa, September 10, 2026.

Speaking to ENA, Neguise said that strengthening Ethiopia and promoting stability in the Red Sea is an interest shared by the international community, not an issue concerning Ethiopia alone. “Empowering and strengthening Ethiopia and creating stability in the Red Sea is the interest of all, not only for Ethiopia,” he said.

Neguise described Israel’s position as clear. “Israel is behind Ethiopia in this effort. This is clear Israeli policy,” he said, adding that access to the sea is important for Ethiopia to strengthen its economy, safeguard its sovereignty and foster regional security.

The ENA report states that Ethiopia’s access to the sea is increasingly viewed as a legitimate strategic right, citing its growing population and economy, expanding import-export trade, and national and regional security interests. It also notes Ethiopia’s geographic proximity to the Red Sea and its historical links to the region’s ports. According to the report, Ethiopia historically administered the ports of Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea’s separation.

Neguise said Israel is committed to sharing its experience in counter-terrorism and in combating terrorist threats, and that security and economic development are closely linked, which he described as fundamental needs for people everywhere. Security and development are linked in his account, and he presented cooperation aimed at regional security and economic stability as benefiting countries across the Horn of Africa and beyond, a call to peacemaking (Matthew 5:9).

Neguise described Ethiopia as a strategically important country in the Horn of Africa and said greater access to the sea could contribute to stability and cooperation among countries in the region. He said “Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea will be positive,” pointing to the country’s longstanding role in peacekeeping and its stated commitment to peace and stability.

The ambassador said terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and attacks affecting maritime routes pose risks not only to countries in the region but also to the Middle East, Europe and the wider global economy. The ENA report adds that the Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor and that instability along the route can have far-reaching economic consequences. “If the Red Sea will not be stable and there are terrorists attacking, it is not only the Horn of Africa, it’s not only the Middle East, the whole world economy will suffer,” Neguise said.

Source: Read the original report