Israel Officially Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent State

Fri Dec 26 2025 23:00:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a historic move, Israel has become the first nation to formally recognize Somaliland's independence, prompting diverse reactions from the international community.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The recognition is viewed as a significant step for Somaliland, which could enhance its diplomatic relations and access to international markets. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi hailed the recognition as historic, while neighboring countries such as Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti condemned the decision, stressing the importance of Somalia's sovereignty.

Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel intends to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, called the development a historic moment.

Recognition by Israel could encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing the region's diplomatic credentials and access to international markets.

However, the decision has been met with backlash from the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who stated their total rejection of Israel's announcement.

Abdullahi expressed that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, viewing it as a step towards regional and global peace.

Somaliland has its own currency, passports, and armed forces, and declared independence in 1991. Over the years, it has strived for international recognition but has faced isolation.

The two countries have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties, including the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies, as stated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

In response to Israel's move, Egypt's foreign minister held calls with counterparts in the region, emphasizing their support for Somalia's sovereignty and cautioning against unilateral actions that could jeopardize stability.

This recognition may alter the political dynamics in the region as Somaliland, with a strategic location by the Gulf of Aden, navigates through historical complexities involving neighboring nations.