This began in the early 1960s when Israel started helping the Ethiopian government in its campaigns against the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF).

Israel considered the Eritrean liberation struggle as supported by Arab states and feared that a pro-Arab independent Eritrea would block Israeli passage through the Red Sea.

By the late 1970s, the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) had become the main rebel group in Eritrea after defeating the ELF.

EPLF rebel group established Eritrea's independence through a UN-backed referendum, making Ethiopia a landlocked country.

This happening along with American efforts led to the opening of an Israeli Embassy in Asmara on March 15, 1993, prior to the official announcement on April 27, 1993.

Eritrea has an embassy in Tel Aviv, but does not currently have a permanent ambassador – a temporary appointee fills the role with a small staff at his side.