Türkiye's strategic moves in Africa shift Red Sea balance, Israeli media reports

Türkiye's Africa Strategy Alters Regional Equations, Draws Israeli Attention

A recent analysis in the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom has spotlighted Türkiye's rapidly expanding strategic and military footprint across Africa, with a particular focus on the Red Sea corridor. The report centers on claims that a historic security cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Somalia includes provisions for establishing a facility with space and missile capabilities, a move perceived as a significant shift in the regional balance of power.

Expert Analysis Points to Strategic Transformation

Dr. Rashid Abdi, a research director at the Kenya-based think tank Sahan Global, was quoted in the report, stating that the Türkiye-Somalia security pact is "revolutionary" and would "fundamentally alter regional balances." Speaking at the Africa-Israel Economy Forum, Dr. Abdi asserted, "Türkiye's influence can no longer be ignored." He further claimed in his comments to Israel Hayom that Türkiye is conducting tests with ballistic missiles in Eritre that could potentially reach Israel, framing Ankara's African engagements as a strategic transformation encompassing military and space technology, not just economics.

Israeli Officials Urge Increased Engagement in Africa

The Israeli media report indicated that these developments are being closely monitored by Israeli officials, reflecting a growing concern in Tel Aviv over Ankara's expanding influence. During the same forum, Eugene Kandel, Chairman of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Board of Directors, commented, "Radical elements are also active in Africa. Israel must not allow Africa to drift away from the West." Echoing the call for a stronger focus on the continent, Shiri Fein-Grossman, CEO of the Israel-Africa Relations Institute, suggested that Israel could "make a big difference in Africa with relatively low investment."

Ankara's Expanding Footprint in the Horn of Africa

Türkiye's deepening military, economic, and diplomatic presence in a strategic arc including Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, and Eritree is steadily turning the Red Sea into a new zone of strategic influence for Ankara. The comments reflected in the Israeli press underscore that Türkiye's rising profile in Africa is creating palpable unease in Israel, highlighting the geopolitical ramifications of Ankara's sustained push into the continent.