Israel, Ethiopia Discuss Stability as Tigray Fighting Intensifies

Israel and Ethiopia discussed Ethiopia’s unity and stability as fighting in the Tigray region intensifies, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar saying the two countries share an interest in preserving peace in the Horn of Africa.

Sa’ar said on Tuesday that he had spoken by phone with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos about recent developments in Ethiopia. He did not specifically identify the renewed Tigray conflict as the subject of their discussion.

The call came as Ethiopia faces its most serious security escalation in years. Federal forces have retaken Mekelle, the Tigray regional capital, after Tigrayan forces withdrew from the city, while fighting and airstrikes have continued in other parts of the region.

The renewed conflict has also heightened tensions beyond Ethiopia’s borders. Ethiopia’s relations with Eritrea have deteriorated, while concerns have grown that the fighting could develop into a wider regional confrontation involving neighbouring states.

Against that backdrop, Sa’ar said his discussion with Gedion covered the importance of maintaining Ethiopia’s unity and stability and the two countries’ shared interest in peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

“Israel greatly values its longstanding close friendship with Ethiopia,” Sa’ar said, adding that Israel wanted to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

The call comes as Israel and Ethiopia have sought to deepen bilateral relations in recent years, including cooperation in economic and other areas. Sa’ar visited Addis Ababa in May 2025, when he met Ethiopian officials and attended an Ethiopia-Israel business forum focused on expanding commercial ties.

The latest contact also comes amid growing international concern over the wider regional implications of Ethiopia’s renewed conflict. The United States and European Union have called for Ethiopia and Eritrea to respect each other’s territorial integrity and pursue dialogue.

Source: FSX Business News