Israel, 13 January 2026 Israel on Monday labelled Ethiopia a “long-term strategic partner” and pledged to deepen diplomatic ties, following high-level talks in Jerusalem that underscore Israel’s growing footprint in the Horn of Africa.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar hosted Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hadera Abera Admassu for discussions focused on regional security and bilateral cooperation.
“We discussed mutual challenges in our regions,” Sa’ar said in a statement on social media platform X, describing the meeting as an opportunity to “further strengthen ties” between Tel Aviv and Addis Ababa.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened regional volatility. Ethiopia is currently engaged in diplomatic disputes with Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea. Central to these tensions is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile and access to the Red Sea.
Egypt and Sudan view the massive hydroelectric project as an existential threat to their water security, while Ethiopia maintains the dam is essential for its national development and energy needs.