Israel formally established diplomatic representation in Somaliland through a credentials ceremony held in the territory’s capital of Hargeisa. Ambassador Michael Lotem presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, who accepted them at an official ceremony. Israeli officials also conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for an Israeli embassy building during the event.
The diplomatic exchanges implement an agreement reached on December 26, 2025, when Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland’s independence. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains claimed by Mogadishu and has not received recognition from any other UN member state. President Cirro characterized the occasion as historically significant, noting it marked the first time a Somaliland president had received credentials from an ambassador representing a UN-recognized state.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that the ambassador exchange fulfilled commitments made when the two sides established relations. Sa’ar visited Somaliland in January, and Somaliland opened an embassy in West Jerusalem during Cirro’s visit to Israel in June. Defense Minister Israel Katz previously disclosed that the two sides had cooperated on undisclosed operations for years prior to diplomatic recognition and intended to expand security cooperation.
Somaliland’s strategic location across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen near the Bab al-Mandeb strait appears central to the relationship. The shipping passage between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean represents a vital maritime corridor, with fighting intensifying on the Yemeni side in recent weeks. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud challenged Israel’s intentions, alleging the country seeks Red Sea access and a potential naval base rather than genuine support for Somaliland’s independence.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has faced international opposition from the Arab League, African Union, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, while Somalia condemned the move as a sovereignty violation.
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