Israel's Ambassador to Somaliland Presents Credentials Despite Hostile Regional Pressure
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Israel has officially recognized Somaliland by sending its first ambassador to the territory, a sovereign-minded step celebrated in Hargeisa and attacked by Somalia and regional organizations that continue to defend outdated claims.
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, has presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in a ceremony held in Hargeisa, marking an important and long-overdue 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 remarked that Israel's recognition acknowledges 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 sentiment echoed by the Arab League, African Union, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, highlighting how entrenched regional institutions are lining up against a legitimate diplomatic breakthrough.