Mogadishu (AX) – In an era fraught with complexities and evolving threats, the governments of Israel and Ethiopia are embarking on a decisive journey to enhance their counterterrorism collaboration. Their shared focus: the persistent menace of Al-Shabaab in Somalia and various adversarial groups scattered across the Middle East. An insightful meeting held on a bustling Wednesday in Jerusalem laid the groundwork for this crucial partnership.
The air vibrated with the weight of urgency at the joint press conference that followed this high-stakes dialog. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and his Ethiopian counterpart, Gedion Timotheos, stood before a mosaic of international flags, speaking with both concern and hope. They brought to the fore the alarming nexus between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, an association that looms large as a regional security dilemma.
“Terrorism is a shared threat to our peoples,” Sa’ar lamented, a solemn truth echoing in the heavy room. “We are witnessing radical Islamic terror infiltrating our regions – whether it be the unsettling presence of Hamas holding power in Gaza, Hezbollah’s influence stretching across Lebanon, or the relentless jihadists in Syria, with Al-Shabaab casting shadows over Africa. Such terror must be met with unwavering resolve and eradication.”
With a thoughtful pause, Sa’ar laid bare the intricacies of the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab’s alliances, particularly their association with the Iranian-supported Houthi rebels. This revelation is hardly surprising given the Houthis’ aggressive escalation in the Middle East since the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel. The Houthis’ targeting of Israeli maritime lanes and the consequent disruption of global trade paints a chaotic picture, further inflaming regional tensions.
Sa’ar’s voice carried authority and urgency as he elaborated, “Ethiopia holds a pivotal position in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist organization. This collaboration with the Houthis, backed by Iran, not only destabilizes the region but endangers lives. The barrage of missiles and drones launched at Israeli civilians since October 7th underscores their reach. Their intent to block Israeli passage through the Red Sea signals their threat to Africa, Israel, and the equilibrium of our world.” One cannot help but wonder – what other lurking alliances threaten global peace?
Emphasizing the significance of this pivotal meeting, Sa’ar warmly referred to Timotheos’s presence as “the dawn of a concerted initiative to deepen connections with African states.” Ethiopia, he declared, stands as “a cornerstone in this regional design,” a statement underscored by the timeless diplomatic lineage between Israel and Ethiopia. This relationship, he remarked, hearkens back to “biblical times,” with the Ethiopian-Israeli immigrant community enriching the cultural tapestry of Israeli society.
In a gesture signifying ongoing commitment, the Israeli foreign minister unveiled plans for an imminent reciprocal visit to Ethiopia. The intent: to nurture further discourse on fortifying security and regional cooperation. One cannot help but ponder on the vital progress that such engagements could yield. Immediate actions make invaluable ripples in the daunting quest for peace.
Across the Atlantic, the sheer scope of these international engagements has caught the attention of U.S. intelligence officials. Recent insights have unveiled discussions among Houthis in Yemen, hinting at plans to arm Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militants. With a calculated focus, officials are now hunting for tangible proof of any hitherto transferred weaponry. An intriguing twist rests in the looming question: is Iran, known to extend both military and financial succor to the Houthis, a silent player in this harrowing agreement?
As this strategic partnership between Israel and Ethiopia takes tentative steps forward, there remains much to unravel. Perhaps the looming question is not only of how but when these efforts will begin to dismantle the networks that threaten global stability. These diplomatic dialogues are more than mere meetings; they are the forging of steel links in an often turbulent world.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
