Israeli President Isaac Herzog discussed with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa today, February 25, 2026, just one week after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland during his official visit to Ethiopia.
During his visit, Erdogan condemned the recognition, stating that it would “benefit no one.”
President Herzog was received by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Temothewos, and State Minister Berhanu Tsegaye, according to a statement issued by the the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Prime Minister Abiy in a Facebook post said he had “productive discussion” with president Herzog.
“We explored the relations between Ethiopia and Israel and considered ways to improve collaboration in areas of mutual interest.”
Both Israel and Turkey have increasingly sought to establish a presence in the strategically important Red sea and Gulf of Aden regions. Following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, the rivalry between the two countries has gained momentum on a scale not seen before.
Israel and Somaliland have agreed to establish active diplomatic relations, including opening embassies in each other’s countries.
Turkey, which strongly supports Somalia’s sovereignty over Somaliland, opposed the recognition and entered into a military and economic cooperation deal with Somalia. Recently, Turkey began offshore mineral exploration in Somalia, leveraging its political support.
In January 2024, Ethiopia entered into a port deal with Somaliland, which angered Somalia. Somalia subsequently severed relations with Ethiopia, asserting that doing business with a territory it claims is a violation of its sovereignty.
Turkey, which has attempted to remain an ally to both nations, facilitated a series of talks between the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia. Although these talks did not bring about a final resolution, they helped soothe tensions.
Currently, Ethiopia and many other countries have not taken an official stance on Israel’s move, likely to avoid upsetting the political balance. This initial recognition by Israel is reshaping alliances in the region and testing the traditional, unanimous support of Arab nations for Somalia.
