Israel Reaffirms Strong Backing for Ethiopia’s Red Sea Access Quest

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2026 (ENA)—Israel has thrown its diplomatic weight to support Ethiopia’s quest for securing sea access, with Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia Avraham Neguise underscoring that his country stands firmly with the East African nation’s efforts to secure maritime access to the Red Sea.

Speaking to ENA, Neguise said strengthening Ethiopia and promoting stability in the Red Sea is an interest shared by the international community rather than an issue concerning Ethiopia alone.

“Empowering and strengthening Ethiopia and creating stability in the Red Sea is the interest of all, not only for Ethiopia,” he noted.

According to him, Israel’s position on Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is clear.

“Israel is behind Ethiopia in this effort. This is clear Israeli policy,” the Ambassador said, stressing that access to the sea is important for Ethiopia to strengthen its economy, safeguard its sovereignty and fosters regional security.

 

Today, Ethiopia’s access to the sea is increasingly viewed as a legitimate strategic right, driven by its growing population and economy, expanding import-export trade, and pressing national and regional security interests.

The country’s geographical proximity to the Red Sea, together with its historical links to the region’s ports, has remained central to its argument for pursuing a sustainable maritime outlet.

Ethiopia historically administered the ports of Massawa and Assab and maintained naval capabilities before Eritrea’s separation. Most importantly, Ethiopia’s push for sovereign sea access is gaining momentum at the international arena. 

“What Ethiopia is doing now, Israel is supporting. It is behind Ethiopia in this effort”, Ambassador Neguise underscored.

The Israeli Ambassador reaffirmed Israel’s support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, stressing that cooperation that aims at improving regional security and economic stability benefits countries across the Horn of Africa region and beyond.

In this regard, Israel is committed to share its experience in counter-terrorism and combating terrorist threats, Ambassador Neguise, stated, adding that security and economic development are closely linked and fundamental needs for people everywhere.

 

He pointed out that Ethiopia is a strategically important country in the Horn of Africa. Therefore, greater access to the sea could contribute to stability and cooperation among countries in the region.

Ethiopia’s involvement in the Red Sea could have implications beyond its national interests, particularly in addressing security challenges posed by terrorism and piracy in the maritime region.

“Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea will be positive,” he noted, pointing to the country’s longstanding role in peacekeeping and its stated commitment to peace and stability.

Ambassador Neguise said terrorist activities in the Horn of Africa and attacks affecting maritime routes pose risks not only to countries in the region but also to the Middle East, Europe and the wider global economy.

The Red Sea is a critical maritime corridor and that instability along the route can have far-reaching economic consequences.

 

“If the Red Sea will not be stable and there are terrorists attacking, it is not only the Horn of Africa, it’s not only the Middle East, the whole world economy will suffer,” he said.