On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland, which broke away from Somalia in 1991. The African Union and the Arab League condemned it, but no sanctions followed. Somaliland lies across the Gulf of Aden from the Houthis, and there is already talk of an Israeli base there.
On June 13, 2025, Israel struck Iran's nuclear sites and killed top commanders, turning a long cold war into open conflict. Nine days later, the United States bombed Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. After the June 24 ceasefire, Iran's nuclear program is halted, but what comes next: new escalation, a real truce or regime change?
In 2024, Israel became the first country to use a combat laser in war, shooting down about 40 Hezbollah drones. Each interception costs a few dollars of electricity, against tens of thousands for an Iron Dome missile. But the Light Shield only works at short range and in clear weather.