Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned Monday that Iran-backed Houthi rebels are a shared threat to both Israel and Africa, citing recent missile attacks near Israel’s main international airport.
“Just yesterday, they hit near our airport with a missile,” Sa’ar said at a joint press conference in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Dr. Gedion Timotheos. “They are a threat to Israel, Africa, and the international community. Israel will respond.”
FM. Gedion held talks with Israeli counterpart, @gidonsaar, who arrived in Addis Ababa today on an official visit. The two ministers discussed ways of further strengthening bilateral ties & enhancing cooperation on regional issues of shared interest. https://t.co/rooWIDG5YD pic.twitter.com/Oua0rmnGQj
— The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia 🇪🇹 (@MFAEthiopia) May 5, 2025
Hours later, Israel did respond—launching an airstrike on Houthi targets in Yemen on Monday night.
Sa’ar linked the Houthis to Al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based jihadist group that has launched attacks on Ethiopia. “Terrorism is a common threat to our nations,” he said. “Al-Shabaab collaborates with the Iran-backed Houthis.”
The remarks came during Sa’ar’s official visit to Ethiopia, where he held a private meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at the Presidential Palace, in addition to his talks with Timotheos. The trip marks a deepening of strategic ties between the two regional powers, rooted in shared history, culture, and security concerns.
Thank you Prime Minister for your warm hospitality and friendship. We will continue together to strengthen our relations! https://t.co/dSsMlvkW0Q
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 5, 2025
“This is my first visit to Africa as Israel’s Foreign Minister. I chose to begin here, in Ethiopia,” Sa’ar said, noting the historical and biblical bonds between the countries.
A senior Israeli business delegation joined Sa’ar in Addis Ababa, representing sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, water technology, and innovation. On Tuesday, Sa’ar and Timotheos will open the Israel-Ethiopia Economic Forum to promote expanded trade and investment.
Sa’ar also praised Ethiopian Airlines for maintaining regular flights between the two countries—even during times of conflict—calling the airline “a gateway to Africa” and a symbol of resilience and partnership.
“We see Ethiopia as a leading country in Africa, and Addis Ababa as the capital of African diplomacy,” he concluded. “In our meeting today, we discussed practical ways to strengthen the relationship between our countries—for the benefit of both peoples.”
