Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar arrived in Ethiopia on Monday for a diplomatic visit, following the March trip by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timotheos to Jerusalem. The reciprocal visits mark a period of intensified political dialogue between the two countries.
While both governments have cited the deepening of bilateral cooperation as a central goal of the meetings, the timing and content of the discussions have raised concerns among observers regarding regional security and geopolitical shifts in the Horn of Africa.
During his stay, Sa’ar is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Timotheos. A joint economic forum will also be held, aiming to enhance investment and trade partnerships in sectors such as agriculture, water management, renewable energy, and health innovation. A delegation of Israeli business representatives is accompanying the minister to explore commercial opportunities.
However, geopolitical implications loom large. A month ago, during a joint press briefing in Jerusalem, Ethiopian and Israeli officials pledged to enhance collaboration in fighting militant groups such as Al Shabab in Somalia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. The statements raised eyebrows among regional analysts, particularly in light of Israel’s reported involvement in supporting Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access—a move viewed by some neighboring countries as a threat to regional balance.
Critics have warned that any foreign-backed shift in Ethiopia’s maritime access strategy could further destabilize an already fragile region. Tensions over Red Sea access and port agreements have intensified across the Horn of Africa, drawing in outside powers and raising concerns about the militarization of regional disputes.
Ethiopia has long expressed interest in securing reliable access to the sea, given its landlocked status since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. While the federal government has stated that its ambitions are based on regional cooperation, reports of external involvement have prompted caution from Somalia and other coastal states.
The current visit, while framed as an economic and diplomatic engagement, is seen by some analysts as part of a broader effort by both governments to position themselves strategically within the changing security landscape of East Africa and the Red Sea corridor.
As meetings proceed in Addis Ababa, questions remain over how deepening ties between Israel and Ethiopia will affect long-standing regional alliances and conflicts—and whether such relationships will lead to genuine development or heightened tension in an already volatile region.