Israel Becomes First Country to Recognize Somaliland as Independent State

Fri Dec 26 2025 22:19:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a historic move, Israel recognizes Somaliland's independence, which could shift regional alliances and foster diplomatic engagements.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent nation, becoming the first country to do so. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized immediate cooperation in key sectors, while Somaliland's president heralded the recognition as a monumental moment for their nation. However, the move has been met with condemnation from neighboring countries, who reaffirmed their support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity.

Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Israel intended to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, called the development a historic moment.

Recognition by Israel could encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing the region's diplomatic credentials and access to international markets.

But the decision has been condemned by the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti, who in a statement affirmed their total rejection of Israel's announcement.

Abdullahi said in a statement that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, in what he called a step toward regional and global peace.

Somaliland was committed to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa, he added.

The two countries had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties, which will include the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Egypt's foreign minister held separate phone calls with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti to discuss issues including Israel's declaration.

They also argued that recognising the independence of parts of sovereign states would set a dangerous precedent under international law and the United Nations Charter.

Israel has for years been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa, but recent wars including in Gaza and against Iran have been seen as a hindrance to democracy.

Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden, and has its own money, passports and police force. Born in 1991 after a war of independence against former dictator General Siad Barre, it has grappled with decades of isolation ever since.