Israel is considering the possibility of normalizing its relations with Somalia, as stated by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. However, the Israeli National Security Council, led by Tzachi Hanegbi, opposes this idea. Hanegbi argues that establishing ties with one of the poorest countries in the world holds no interest for Israel. Conversely, Cohen sees the normalization of relations with Somalia as an opportunity to gain its support in international forums, where Somalia has consistently voted against Israel.
This disagreement between the National Security Council and the Foreign Ministry is not new; it dates back to 2014 when power shifted from the ministry to the council. Tensions have further risen recently due to the revelation of a secret meeting between Cohen and his Libyan counterpart, Najla Al-Mangoush. Sources suggest that Cohen may have met with aides close to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during this meeting.
Cohen has been actively working on establishing relations with Somalia, a country that has never had diplomatic ties with Israel and does not allow Israelis to enter its territory. It is worth mentioning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the Somali president in Nairobi back in 2016. However, since then, only indirect talks have occurred between diplomats from both sides who prefer to maintain a low profile.
Source: Middle East Monitor.
