Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a regional security map grouping Somaliland and Puntland with territories considered friendly to Israel and the UAE, amid shifting alliances in the Horn of Africa.
MOGADISHU (Somali Report) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a regional security map grouping Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland and the semi-autonomous Puntland administration among territories portrayed as friendly to Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
The map appeared on a large screen behind Netanyahu as he delivered a speech on Sunday about threats to Israel’s national security, highlighting shifting alignments in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
According to an image verified by the Israeli government’s press office, Somaliland and Puntland were shaded light blue, a colour used to identify territories considered friendly to Israel and the UAE. Ethiopia was also included in the same category.
By contrast, Somalia and the northeastern region known as North Eastern State were shaded light green, placing them within a rival grouping described as the “Sunni Diamond” alliance, led by Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The map offers a glimpse into how regional analysts and policymakers view emerging geopolitical alignments around the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa, a strategically important corridor connecting major international shipping routes.
However, the graphic does not in itself establish formal alliances between Israel and Puntland or Somaliland, nor does it constitute official recognition of Puntland as an independent state. Rather, it reflects an assessment of regional relationships and perceived strategic partnerships.
The map was reportedly based on research by Marc Saxer and Marcus Schneider, whose analysis examines changing geopolitical relationships and competing regional blocs.
Its categorisation of the Somali territories is particularly sensitive because of longstanding disputes over governance, territorial integrity and international recognition.
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Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated with its own government and security institutions, although its status has remained internationally disputed. Somalia’s federal government continues to regard Somaliland as part of the country.
Puntland, established in 1998, is a federal member state within Somalia and has historically sought autonomy rather than full independence. Its political relationship with Mogadishu has, however, been strained by disagreements over constitutional changes, elections and the distribution of federal powers.
The map also depicts North Eastern State separately from Somaliland, an apparent distinction relevant to the territorial dispute surrounding Sool, Sanaag and Cayn. Somaliland has claimed these areas, while local authorities and political actors have challenged its control and territorial claims.
North Eastern State emerged from political developments in territories formerly contested by Somaliland and Puntland, adding another layer to disputes over representation and administration in northern Somalia.
The presentation comes amid wider competition for influence in the Horn of Africa, where regional and international powers are seeking strategic partnerships along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The area is important for maritime trade, military access and security cooperation.
Israel’s perceived alignment with Somaliland and Puntland, alongside Ethiopia and the UAE, could attract scrutiny in Somalia, where officials and political groups remain sensitive to foreign engagement that may affect the country’s territorial integrity.
Still, the map should not be interpreted as definitive evidence of a formal regional alliance or a change in Israel’s diplomatic position towards the Somali territories. Its significance lies primarily in the way it portrays the region’s emerging strategic divisions.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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