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Officials discuss growing threats from Al-Shabaab and Houthi rebels, emphasizing the need for regional and global cooperation
At a joint press conference, both ministers emphasized the growing security threat posed by Al-Shabaab and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. These groups are seen as major destabilizing forces in their respective regions.
“Terrorism is a common enemy for both of our nations,” Sa’ar said. “We are dealing with radical Islamic terrorism—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, jihadist groups in Syria, and Al-Shabaab in Africa. It must be stopped.”
Sa’ar highlighted the connection between Al-Shabaab and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. He stated that since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have escalated their aggression, targeting Israeli ships and disrupting global trade in the Red Sea.
“Ethiopia plays a key role in fighting Al-Shabaab,” Sa’ar noted. “The group works closely with the Houthis in Yemen, further increasing instability in the region. Since October 7, the Houthis have fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli civilians and disrupted international trade routes. Now, they are threatening to block Israeli ships from passing through the Red Sea. This is not just a problem for Israel—it’s a problem for Africa and the whole world.”
Sa’ar also stressed the importance of Ethiopia’s role in regional security. He called Timotheos’s visit “the first step in a broader effort to strengthen Israel’s relationships with African nations.” He praised Ethiopia as “one of the most important countries in the region” and highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two nations. He also acknowledged the Ethiopian-Israeli immigrant community as a valuable part of Israeli society.
To further security and diplomatic cooperation, Sa’ar announced plans to visit Ethiopia soon. The visit is expected to focus on deepening military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and economic partnerships. Ethiopian officials have welcomed this initiative, stating that a stronger alliance with Israel will help combat regional threats and strengthen their country’s security.
Meanwhile, US intelligence agencies have been investigating whether the Houthi rebels in Yemen are supplying weapons to Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Officials are looking for proof that arms have already been transferred and are assessing Iran’s potential involvement in the deal. Iran has been known to provide financial and military support to the Houthis, raising concerns about the expansion of terrorist networks in Africa and the Middle East. Security experts warn that such an alliance could worsen instability in the Horn of Africa, making counterterrorism efforts more urgent than ever.
Ethiopian security analysts have also pointed out that Al-Shabaab’s influence has been expanding beyond Somalia, with reports of recruitment efforts in Kenya, Ethiopia, and other neighboring countries. The Ethiopian government has increased surveillance along its borders and continues to engage in military operations against the group. The collaboration with Israel is expected to enhance Ethiopia’s counterterrorism capabilities, especially in intelligence gathering and military technology.
Furthermore, economic and trade relations between Israel and Ethiopia are expected to grow alongside security cooperation. Israel has expressed interest in investing in Ethiopia’s infrastructure and technology sectors, while Ethiopia sees Israel as a strategic partner in innovation and defense industries. This growing partnership is seen as mutually beneficial, strengthening both nations in their fight against terrorism while expanding economic opportunities.
The strengthening of ties between Israel and Ethiopia reflects a growing urgency to address regional security threats. With Al-Shabaab maintaining its presence in Somalia and the Houthis increasing their aggression in the Red Sea, both Israel and Ethiopia recognize the need for joint efforts to combat terrorism.
As diplomatic and intelligence discussions continue, the international community is closely watching developments in the region to assess the broader implications for security and global trade. Analysts predict that closer Israel-Ethiopia relations could influence other African nations to deepen their security partnerships with Israel, contributing to a stronger regional defense network against extremist groups.