Maariv says recognition of Somaliland could pave way for similar move in south Yemen against Houthis
The Hebrew newspaper Maariv said Israel is considering recognising an emerging entity in southern Yemen backed by the United Arab Emirates, following its announcement recognising Somaliland. The move is aimed at building strategic cooperation along the Red Sea coast to counter the Houthi group.
The newspaper said UAE-backed forces in southern Yemen have so far issued no official response to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, and it expects no public position to be announced in the near future.
However, according to Maariv, sources within those forces said in private talks that they hope the recognition of Somaliland will be a first step towards similar Israeli recognition of an entity that the Southern Transitional Council, which seeks secession, aims to establish in southern Yemen.
The newspaper added that a look at the map highlights the potential for cooperation between Israel and Somaliland, as well as with a possible independent entity in southern Yemen. It said such cooperation could pose a threat to the Houthis, who are mainly based in the north of the country, and could affect their stability, given the strategic importance of the Red Sea coast.