Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland as sovereign state

Israel has become the first country to officially recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, more than three decades after it declared independence from Somalia.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Friday that Israel and Somaliland have signed an agreement establishing full diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies and the exchange of ambassadors. Somaliland declared independence in 1991, but until now had failed to gain recognition from any UN member state despite operating as a de facto state in north-west Somalia.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the decision was made “in the spirit” of the Abraham Accords. A video released by the office showed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking via video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, inviting him to visit Israel and describing the bilateral relationship as “historic.”

The announcement triggered swift international reaction. United States President Donald Trump said he opposed U.S. recognition of Somaliland, while reports indicate divisions within the U.S. administration over concerns that recognition could undermine security cooperation with Somalia, where U.S. forces support operations against al-Shabaab.

Somalia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s decision as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, a view echoed by the African Union, which warned the move could set a dangerous precedent and destabilize the region. AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf reiterated that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.

Israel’s recognition was also condemned by Egypt and Türkiye, which accused Israel of interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs. Sa’ar said the decision followed a year of diplomatic talks and that Israel would immediately institutionalise ties with Somaliland.

Israeli analysts say the move may carry strategic significance, citing Somaliland’s proximity to Yemen and the Red Sea. A recent report by the Institute for National Security Studies suggested Somaliland could serve as a strategic base for intelligence and security operations related to the ongoing conflict with the Houthi rebels.