Analysis
Netanyahu’s Regional Map Highlights Puntland’s Strategic Importance, Raises Questions Over Sanaag
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a regional security map identifying Puntland among territories considered friendly to Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The presentation highlights Puntland’s strategic importance in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, but it also raises questions about why parts of Sanaag administered by Puntland are depicted within Somaliland’s boundaries.
Photo: GPO; map: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
Displayed during Netanyahu’s October 18 presentation on Israel’s regional security outlook, the map distinguishes Puntland and Somaliland from other actors associated with competing political and strategic alignments, including some whose interests have historically differed from Puntland’s.
Puntland’s inclusion comes as its external relationships continue to expand, particularly with the UAE through trade, investment in Bosaso Port and security cooperation. Its growing security relationship with the United States, including counterterrorism operations against ISIS and military engagement around Bosaso, further illustrates Puntland’s importance to Gulf of Aden security.
Bosaso is situated opposite Yemen, near shipping routes connecting the Indian Ocean, Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea. Houthi activity, renewed piracy and competition among regional powers have increased the strategic value of Puntland’s coastline and security infrastructure.
Against this background, Netanyahu’s map reflects how external powers increasingly assess political and security relationships across the Horn of Africa. Puntland’s placement among territories considered friendly to Israel and the UAE highlights its position within the regional landscape, but it does not establish that Puntland has formally aligned itself with Israeli foreign policy. No formal diplomatic agreement between Puntland and Israel has been publicly announced.
The Puntland Strategic and Policy Institute (PSPI) has proposed a policy framework through which such developments can be assessed. Its Strategic Middle Path is based on three principles: autonomy, stability and non-domination.
This approach allows Puntland to develop security and economic partnerships with different countries without becoming dependent on a single regional alliance. The objective is to translate external cooperation into stronger institutions, economic opportunities and security capabilities that serve Puntland’s interests. PSPI’s framework remains a policy proposal rather than an officially adopted doctrine of the Puntland government.
