Israel Reassesses Strategic Ties with Horn of Africa Following October 7 Developments

Israel has long maintained a strategic interest in the Horn of Africa, driven by geography and security considerations. As a Red Sea state, Israel’s proximity to the region and its reliance on key maritime routes have made developments in the Horn and the southern Red Sea significant to its strategic thinking. The port of Eilat, Israel’s gateway to Africa and Asia, depends on access through these waterways, reinforcing the country’s interest in regional stability.

Until the 1970s, Israel’s rivalry with Egypt shaped its engagement with the Horn of Africa. Israel developed a close strategic partnership with Ethiopia, a country that also controlled Eritrea and was a rival of Egypt. Prior to the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974, Israel maintained a substantial diplomatic, military, and intelligence presence in Addis Ababa. The relationship was driven primarily by geopolitical and security considerations, with both countries viewing Egypt under Nasser as a major strategic threat.

The same strategic logic extended to Sudan and Yemen. Israel initially sought to cultivate relations with newly independent Sudan in the 1950s. When Khartoum increasingly aligned itself with Arab nationalism, Israel shifted its attention to the southern Sudanese insurgency, developing close ties with the rebel movement and eventually becoming one of its most important foreign supporters. Israel’s involvement in Yemen during the 1960s was similarly driven by the goal of confronting Egypt in the southern Red Sea.

The late 1970s brought profound changes to Israel’s position in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. In 1977, Israel and Egypt began negotiations that culminated in the 1979 peace treaty, effectively ending the conflict between the two states. This shift marked a significant change in Israel’s strategic calculus, as it no longer needed to rely on alliances with countries like Ethiopia to counter Egypt. The Ethiopian imperial regime was overthrown by the Derg in 1974, further altering the regional dynamics.

The evolving relationship between Israel and the Horn of Africa reflects a broader pattern of strategic adaptation. Israel’s engagement with the region has been shaped by shifting alliances, security concerns, and geopolitical realities. While historical ties and religious connections have played a role, the primary drivers have been security and strategic interests. As the region continues to change, Israel’s approach to the Horn of Africa will likely remain influenced by these enduring factors.

The strategic importance of the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa to Israel underscores the interconnectedness of regional security and global geopolitics. As Israel navigates its relationships with neighboring states and emerging powers, its actions will continue to be shaped by the need to secure vital maritime routes and maintain stability in a region of significant strategic value.

Source: Read the original report