Somaliland

Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel welcomed by Herzog in historic ceremony

President says new partnership will promote cooperation “for the benefit of both our peoples and the entire region.”

President Isaac Herzog shakes hands with Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, after receiving his credentials at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, May 18, 2026.
AVI STUDENTS and stakeholders join for a flag-planting ceremony outside AVI headquarters in October 2024.

If these flags could talk - opinion

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar meets with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi in first diplomatic visit to Somaliland on January 6, 2026.

Forging new alliances: Israel appoints first ever ambassador to Somaliland

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar meets with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi in first diplomatic visit to Somaliland on January 6, 2026.

Israel's Somaliland envoy sparks regional backlash from 15 Arab, Muslim states


Israel’s recognition highlights Somaliland’s entrapment in the world’s colonial past - analysis

The lack of willingness of countries to recognize Somaliland is solely due to the legacy of colonialism and how colonial decisions transformed into international law.

Somalis react after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, in Mogadishu, Somalia, December 27, 2025

UN Security Council to hold emergency session on Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Somaliland hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets.

US ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz (L) and Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon (R) before a UN Security Council meeting to consider a US proposal for a UN mandate to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza at the UN headquarters, New York, November 17, 2025.

The Red Sea strategy: What does Israel stand to gain from recognizing Somaliland? - analysis

Some may see it as creating a new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa - but the real issue is it may appear more of a strategic chessboard than it is.

Somalis react after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, in Mogadishu, Somalia, December 27, 2025

Trump says US won't follow Israel's lead on recognition: 'Does anyone know what Somaliland is?'

On Friday, Netanyahu and Somaliland’s President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi signed a joint declaration, making Israel the first nation to recognize the country. 

US President Donald Trump attends a press conference, as he makes an announcement about the Navy's "Golden Fleet" at Mar-a-lago in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 22, 2025.

Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti condemn Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state

Israel becomes first UN member state to recognize Somaliland, Netanyahu declares

Netanyahu congratulated Somaliland President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi and praised his leadership and commitment to security, stability, and peace. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state

Somaliland does not rule out absorption of Gazan residents - KAN

US and Israeli officials reportedly reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss the potential transfer of displaced Gazan Palestinians.

 A woman dressed in Somaliland's flag colours parades to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024.

Trump Team May recognize Somaliland independence, former UK Minister claims

The region's peaceful elections and strategic Berbera port might influence the recognition of the breakaway state.

 A woman dressed in Somaliland's flag colours parades to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024.

Israel eyes Somaliland base bid to counter threats from Yemen's Houthis, bolster security - report

Somaliland is positioned in the Gulf of Aden and near the entrance to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which nearly a third of the world's maritime cargo passes.

 A woman dressed in Somaliland's flag colours parades to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024.

Israeli flight from Thailand faced attack by 'hostile elements'

This is the second time such an incident has occurred in the past week, according to the report.

An El Al Israel Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport.