"Israel" does not have a military base in Somaliland, but is training police and military forces, the Minister of Defense of the breakaway region of Somaliland, Mohamed Yusuf Ali, revealed on Wednesday, as it called on the occupation to invest in agriculture and other sectors.

Yusuf Ali is part of a delegation that traveled to “Israel” this week to mark the first official visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.

The Somali Guardian reported on Sunday that “Israel” had established an intelligence base in Somaliland and that discussions were underway regarding the possible creation of a military base.

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a business forum organized by the Israeli Foreign Ministry in Tel Aviv, Yusuf Ali dismissed reports that “Israel” is negotiating to establish a military base in the territory, calling them “mere rumors.”

“There is no Israeli military presence or military bases in Somaliland, but Israel is assisting Somaliland… it is supporting the training of some of our police and military personnel,” he said.

Somaliland is 'open for business'

Israeli War Minister Israel Katz said after meeting Abdullahi that he looks forward to expanding security, economic, and diplomatic relations with Somaliland, revealing that “we have collaborated for many years in secret in a series of operations that will remain classified.”

Knesset Speaker MK Ohana to visiting Somaliland President Abdullahi: We want people of Somaliland to know that we are your true friendshttps://t.co/mCWncx1uWJ@Abdirahmanirro @AmirOhana pic.twitter.com/cKuFimMaxr

— The Knesset (@KnessetENG) June 17, 2026

In February, Abdullahi told Reuters that while Somaliland hopes to develop future military cooperation with “Israel,” the establishment of Israeli military bases had not been discussed. Speaking at the conference, he also said he seeks to deepen economic ties with “Israel,” describing the regime as “a valuable and reliable friend.”

“Somaliland is open for business, and Somaliland is ready for Israeli investment,” he said, highlighting the territory’s “vast natural resources” and its strategic position as a maritime gateway to Africa. He added that Somaliland is eager to benefit from Israeli technological expertise in agriculture, livestock, water management, renewable energy, healthcare, and cybersecurity.

International backlash hits Somaliland embassy in al-Quds

During the visit, Somaliland announced that its official embassy would be established in occupied al-Quds, which drew widespread backlash, particularly among Islamic nations. 

Nineteen Islamic countries condemned, in a joint statement, the region’s intention to open a  "purported embassy" in occupied al-Quds, calling it a "flagrant violation" of international law and international legitimacy resolutions.

It is worth noting that "Israel" officially recognized the so-called "Republic of Somaliland" as an "independent and sovereign state" in December of last year, prompting widespread condemnation from Arab, African, and international actors.

The growing rapprochement has drawn sharp criticism across the Arab world and from the Somali government, which maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory and asserts that 'Israel" is violating Somalia’s sovereignty and undermining regional stability.

Read more: Somaliland signals security ties with 'Israel' to counter Yemen