Israel's Ambassador to Somaliland Presents Credentials Amid Regional Backlash
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Israel has pushed ahead with formal recognition of Somaliland by presenting its first ambassador to the breakaway territory, a move hailed in Hargeisa but sharply condemned by Somalia and regional bodies as another destabilizing intervention.
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, has presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in a ceremony held in Hargeisa, marking a major step in the diplomatic recognition of Somaliland. This follows an agreement made on 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 Abdullahi described the event as a "historical day," emphasizing that it is the first time a Somaliland president has received credentials from an ambassador of a UN-recognized state. Lotem said Israel's recognition reflects Somaliland's achievements over the past 35 years rather than being a mere diplomatic gesture.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated that the exchange of ambassadors fulfills commitments made during the establishment of relations, which included Sa’ar's visit to Somaliland in January and the opening of an Israeli embassy in West Jerusalem during Abdullahi's visit to Israel in June.
Abdullahi highlighted the strategic importance of Somaliland's location near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, asserting that the relationship with Israel carries significant regional implications. Meanwhile, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has questioned Israel's intentions, alleging that the country seeks access to the Red Sea rather than genuinely supporting Somaliland's independence. Mohamud also claimed that Israel desires a naval base in Somaliland, although Abdullahi has stated that no discussions on this matter have occurred.
Somalia condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty, a position echoed by the Arab League, African Union, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, underscoring the deep regional alarm triggered by Israel's move.