Israel Recognizes Somaliland as Independent State, Prompting International Reactions

On December 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This decision makes Israel the first United Nations member to recognize Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but had not previously gained international recognition.

The recognition was formalized through a joint declaration signed by Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Netanyahu praised Abdullahi's leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace, extending an invitation for an official visit to Israel.

Somalia's federal government condemned Israel's decision, describing it as a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that could undermine regional peace. The African Union echoed this sentiment, warning that such recognition risks "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent."

In response to the recognition, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar visited Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, on January 6, 2026. During the visit, Sa'ar met with senior officials to discuss enhancing bilateral relations and plans to establish an Israeli embassy. Sa'ar stated that Israel remains undeterred by international criticism and intends to proceed with opening embassies and appointing ambassadors.

The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, Khaled Khiari, called for respect for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity following Israel's announcement. Khiari urged both Somalia and Somaliland to resume peaceful and constructive dialogue, referencing the 2023 Djibouti Communique as a framework for negotiations.

Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa along the Gulf of Aden, has maintained a de facto independent government since 1991, holding elections and establishing its own institutions. Despite this, it had not been recognized by any UN member state until Israel's recent decision.