Hebrew Media Reports on Israel’s Plan in Southern Yemen to Back Separatists
A Hebrew-language newspaper has reported that Israel is seeking to replicate the ‘Somaliland’ model in southern Yemen by politically supporting separatist structures in this part of the country.
According to the report, the Hebrew daily Maariv wrote that Israel intends to recognize the Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the United Arab Emirates, to pave the way for strategic cooperation in the Red Sea coastal areas. This collaboration, the media outlet said, is primarily aimed at countering Yemen’s Houthi forces.
The report continued that legitimizing UAE-affiliated forces in southern Yemen could allow Israel to establish a direct military and intelligence presence along the coasts overlooking the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait — a vital route that plays an important role in regional trade and security.
Additionally, Al Arabiya news network, citing Hebrew sources, reported that the leader of the Southern Transitional Council has held secret and intensive contacts with Israeli officials. In exchange for recognizing Israeli occupation, he seeks to garner international support for the southern Yemen separatist project. This move could exacerbate the political crisis and fragmentation in Yemen and have broader implications for regional stability.
