Israel Formalizes Ties with Somaliland: First Ambassador Presents Credentials, Embassy Cornerstone Laid

Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, has officially presented his credentials to the president of the self-declared state, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), in Hargeisa. The ceremony also marked the laying of the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy in the territory.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the events, which took place last week, on Sunday. This move implements an agreement from December 26, 2025, when Israel became the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is still claimed by Mogadishu.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the occasion as "historical," noting it was the first time a Somaliland president had received credentials from an ambassador of a UN member state recognizing its independence. Ambassador Michael Lotem stated that Israel's recognition reflects Somaliland's 35 years of development, rather than being a mere diplomatic formality.

Somaliland has operated autonomously for over three decades but lacks recognition from any other UN member state. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed that the exchange of ambassadors fulfills commitments made when diplomatic relations were established. Sa'ar had previously visited Somaliland in January, and Somaliland opened an embassy in West Jerusalem during President Cirro's visit to Israel in June.

During the Hargeisa ceremony, President Cirro emphasized the strategic importance of the relationship, stating, "Given our strategic position around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, our cooperation carries important regional and international significance. Let me reaffirm that Somaliland approaches this relationship with genuine strategic commitment and a long-term perspective."

Somaliland is situated across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, near the vital Bab al-Mandeb strait. Recent weeks have seen intensified fighting in Yemen, with UN envoy Hans Grundberg warning of a return to full-scale war. Israel has also acknowledged a pre-existing security relationship with Somaliland that predates diplomatic recognition. During his June visit to Israel, President Cirro and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz discussed expanding security ties, building on years of cooperation in secret operations.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud questioned Israel's intentions in an interview with Sky News, suggesting Israel seeks Red Sea access and potentially a naval base rather than genuinely supporting Somaliland's independence. Somaliland officials have indicated openness to hosting an Israeli military base, though the president recently stated no such talks have occurred.

Israel's recognition of Somaliland was condemned by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty. The move also drew condemnation from the Arab League, the African Union, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.