Israel Tells Somaliland Its Recognition Will Stand Regardless of Leadership Change
Israeli officials have assured Somaliland that recognition of its independence is not up for debate in Israeli politics, even as a new government takes shape in Jerusalem.
By Marina Weber ·
Israel has moved to calm concerns in Somaliland that its recognition of the breakaway region's independence could be reversed under a new Israeli government, KAN News reported on Thursday.
Israeli sources, including several outside the political arena, told Somaliland leaders that the question of recognizing Somaliland is not a contentious issue within Israeli politics, according to the report.
The assurances came after Somaliland officials grew uneasy about the country's political shift. Israel's elections weakened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position, and Gadi Eisenkot received the mandate to form the next government, prompting fears in Hargeisa that Israel's stance might turn against them.
Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state in December 2025. The decision opened the door to formal diplomatic ties between the two governments.
Last week, Israel's Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Israel is committed to building the relationship. "Israel is determined to develop and strengthen its relations with Somaliland," he said.
"The appointment of ambassadors, in accordance with the agreement reached when our countries established mutual recognition, is another important step in deepening the ties between us," Sa'ar added.
The diplomatic push comes as Somaliland also seeks closer security cooperation with Israel. Mohamed Osman Fadal, a senior foreign affairs adviser to the Somaliland president, said last month that his government wants to obtain air defense systems from Israel, pointing to Turkey's expanding military presence in neighboring Somalia.
"We need air-defense systems," Fadal said in an interview with Middle East Eye. "We want Israel to support us against Turkey."
