Israel and Ethiopia: Drafting a Unified Front Against Terrorism

JERUSALEM – Standing alongside Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timotheos, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar delivered a message that resonated far beyond the walls of the press conference in Jerusalem. “Terrorism is a shared threat to our peoples,” Sa’ar proclaimed. What makes these words stand out in today’s intricate geopolitical landscape? Not just the shared acknowledgment of a threat, but the call for a united front, bridging distances and differences to secure peace.

When Sa’ar pointedly referenced the “radical Islamic terror groups” sowing unrest across various regions, it showcased not only awareness but a readiness to combat extremism collaboratively. He mentioned Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, factions well-known in Israel’s security narratives. However, his inclusion of Al-Shabaab in Africa paints a broader canvas of concern, indicating terrorism knows no boundaries. “Terror must be eradicated,” he stated with conviction.

The conversation pivoted to the intricate web of alliances between outlawed groups—specifically the ties between Al-Shabaab militants and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which have been troubling allies globally. “The Houthis have already made waves with their assault on Israel post-Hamas’s attack in October,” Sa’ar noted. This mention pulls at threads of anxiety woven into international relations, sparked by last year’s shocking escalation.

“Ethiopia plays a critical role in combating the Al-Shabaab,” Sa’ar highlighted, underscoring Ethiopia’s pivotal geographical and strategic position in counter-terrorism efforts.

How do we measure the threat when rebels target salience like Israeli ships in the Middle East? Or when they disrupt trade routes vital for the global economy? Here lies a question for pondering: Can isolated efforts suffice in a world interconnected by shipments across vast oceans?

Ethiopia’s pivotal role touches not just geopolitics but the economic corridors, too. The regional stability dialogue extends to trade, with the Red Sea an artery for commerce—blocked arteries lead not just to economic failures but geopolitical heart attacks.

Timotheos’s visit unfolded as more than mere diplomatic courtesy—it is the latest chapter in a story scripted since ancient texts first mentioned the bonds between Ethiopia and Israel. Sa’ar spoke to these ties, calling Ethiopia “one of the leading countries” in its region. History books might remind us of Queen Sheba’s legendary meeting with King Solomon. But can ancient threads weave answers for today’s complexities?

“Our Ethiopian-Israeli community is deeply integrated into society,” Sa’ar continued, reflecting on how these people form a cultural bridge and design innovative solutions in fields from technology to culinary enterprises. Real-world connections become the backbone for diplomatic dialogue.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has hinted at adding a new chapter to this evolving narrative. Sa’ar’s planned visit to Ethiopia isn’t merely a political gesture. It represents an unfolding commitment—a promise to craft solutions and strategies that echo across continents.

In a world riddled with complexities and conflicts, the need for solidarity resounds. For Israel and Ethiopia, engaging in cooperative diplomacy isn’t just wise; it’s essential. As these two nations chart their course through the seas of uncertainty, forging synergies rather than sailing solo seems not only reasonable but necessary.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring