Key facts
- Israel deployed approximately 50 soldiers to Somaliland after recognizing the breakaway state.
- The soldiers are reportedly of African heritage to facilitate blending in.
- Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland in April.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed long-standing, covert security cooperation with Somaliland.
- Somaliland's defense minister stated Israel provides training support but has no military base.
Israel deployed a contingent of approximately 50 soldiers to Somaliland earlier this year, according to a senior Somali government official. This deployment followed Israel's recognition of the breakaway state in December and the subsequent appointment of Michael Lotem as Israel's first ambassador to Hargeisa in April. The official stated that the soldiers selected were of African heritage, particularly Ethiopian, to blend in with the local community and avoid drawing attention.