The Houthi Threat to Israel and Somaliland – Characteristics and Policy Recommendations

The Houthi threat has evolved into a multidimensional challenge with direct implications for Israel and growing relevance for Somaliland. While the Houthis lack the capacity to defeat Israel militarily, they have demonstrated an ability to expand the geographic scope of confrontation, disrupt critical maritime routes in the Red Sea, and serve as a key instrument of Iran’s regional strategy. At the same time, emerging dynamics suggest increasing strain on Iran’s proxy network, potentially rendering actors such as the Houthis more central, yet also more unpredictable. Against this backdrop, the emerging relationship between Israel and Somaliland reflects broader geopolitical shifts linking the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. While this convergence offers strategic opportunities, particularly in maritime security and regional positioning, it also carries significant risks, including escalation, retaliation, and diplomatic backlash.

Addressing these challenges requires a calibrated, multi-domain strategy that integrates military, economic, and diplomatic tools while avoiding destabilizing overreach. To address this shared challenge, INSS and the ISIR research institute in Somaliland have partnered to produce a joint analysis of the Houthi threat to both Israel and Somaliland, including policy recommendations on how the two sides should respond to this common threat.