The Arab Spring has created a tumultuous regional environment, leading many to point to an Israel that is becoming increasingly isolated from the international community. Recent examples of Israel’s isolation include the Palestinian’s bid for statehood at the United Nations, French President Nicolas Sarkozy calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “liar,” Defense Secretary Leon Panetta explicitly stating that Israel is becoming increasingly isolated due to the breakdown in negotiations with the Palestinians, to President Obama’s continued icy relationship with Netanyahu. All of this comes at a time when former regional allies have either become regimes of the past or have begun to openly speak out against Israel, as was shown by Turkey after the flotilla incident and Egypt after the death of several Egyptian soldiers in response to terrorist attacks that originated from within the Sinai desert. Yet, Israel is finding new allies in the fight against Islamic extremism in an unlikely part of the world, Kenya. Although this development has received little attention, it may show an important niche Israel can fill in a world that is dealing with an ever evolving terrorist threat. Whether it be Chechen rebels in Russia, Uighur extremists in China, or Boko Harem in Nigeria, the fight against terrorism is not isolated solely to the Middle East. The question is, can this security pact, and any future agreements with other nations, provide Israel with what it needs the most, diplomatic partnership?

Kenyan Prime Minister Ralia Odinga’s recent visit to Israel publicly illustrates the joint commitment between the two nations to combat al-Shaba, an al-Qaeda affiliate operating out of Somalia. Last month, Kenya sent approximately 1,500 troops into neighboring Somalia in response to the abduction of several foreign nationals, including one French woman with cancer who died during her captivity, and the bombing of a nightclub and bus stop. Israel has offered to help Kenya’s Police Force detect and destroy al-Shabab’s operating centers within Kenya, in addition to providing vehicles for border patrols, and equipment for sea surveillance to combat piracy off the East African Coast. The security pact is representative of a combined interest in fighting Islamic extremism in both parts of the world. Prime Minster Netanyahu has publicly stated that “Kenya’s enemies are Israel’s enemies,” and Israeli President Shimon Peres shared similar sentiments when he stated that Israel would make all necessary resources available to Kenya in their fight against al-Shabab. Israel seeks to build a coalition in East Africa between itself, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Tanzania, in order to effectively combat extremists elements throughout the continent. Odinga hopes that Israel’s expertise in counterterrorism can help strengthen Kenya’s security and dismantle the al-Shabab network.

Kenya’s recent military operation in Somalia is their most recent effort to completely eliminate the entire al-Shaba network, which has wrecked havoc throughout the region, creating both a security and economic threat to Kenya. In 1998, 200 Kenyan’s were killed by bomb blasts at the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The attack was performed by some of al-Qaeda’s senior members operating within Somalia, in conjunction with al-Shabab. Also, 15 civilians were killed in 2002 when a suicide bomber detonated at the Israeli owned Kenyan resort of Mambasa. Al-Shabab controls most of the southern and central regions of Somalia, a nation that has not had a stable and effective government since 1991. In the past, Kenya has traditionally tried to prevent al-Shaba from crossing the border in two main ways. The first involves training Somali troops for deployment near the border, in an attempt to create a buffer zone between the two nations. The second is to use diplomatic support through the international community to create a semi-autonomous region known as Jubaland or Azonia, which would effectively create a secure border. Yet, none of these attempts have effectively prevented al-Shabab’s movements between Kenya and Somalia.

What is the significance of the security pact to Israel? Several events over the past couple of months have increased the tension between Israel, its Middle Eastern neighbors, and its allies abroad. Everything form increased settlement activities to incidents with former allies, have put Israel in a very precarious diplomatic situation. By creating ties with nations such as Kenya, Israel is broadening its diplomatic support in the face of an increasingly tense Middle East. Israel is undoubtedly a nation the world looks to when confronting terrorist extremists. Israel’s unrivaled counterterrorism methods have proven to be extremely successful and has been tested through years of an ever evolving terrorist threat that dates back to the nations creation as a Jewish state. Whether it be intelligence, logistic support, or combat support, Israel has a wide variety of tools it can offer. The security expertise Israel can provide may be an essential tool for creating strategic diplomatic ties with some nations that the international community may not have expected. Unlike other nations that can offer vast oil reserves or extensive trade, Israel’s counterterrorism apparatus may be a significant trading tool for what it needs most, additional allies in international organizations such as the United Nations. The question is will Israel be able to expand this type of security pact to other African nations, and then go beyond to Asia, Europe, Russia, and other areas that face a serious terrorism threats, and receive strengthened diplomatic ties in return. The more Israel can integrate itself into the international community, the better it will be able to handle diplomatically difficult issues that will surely come about in the near future.