Israel has sent its first ambassador to Somaliland to strengthen diplomatic and security ties between the two nations.
Israel recently sent its first ambassador to Somaliland. Michael Lotem presented his official credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa. The two parties also held a ceremony to mark the start of building an Israeli embassy.
Also, this event follows a major agreement from December 2025. At that time, Israel became the first United Nations member to recognize Somaliland. The region declared independence from Somalia back in 1991.
Next, President Abdullahi called the event a historic day. He noted this is the first time a UN member state has accepted an ambassador from his nation. He believes this validates the progress his people made over 35 years.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Lotem praised the growth of Somaliland. He stated that this recognition honors what the territory has built alone. Israeli officials confirmed this move fulfills promises made when the two sides first formed ties.
After that, the president highlighted the strategic value of the region. Somaliland sits near the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This area is a key shipping lane between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
However, the region faces rising instability nearby. Recent reports suggest that fighting has increased on the Yemeni side of the strait. Conflict in Yemen remains a serious concern for international trade and safety.
Still, Israel and Somaliland already a history of security cooperation. Defence Minister Israel Katz mentioned that both sides worked on secret operations for years. They now plan to expand these military and security ties further.
Finally, Somalia strongly opposes these developments. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claims Israel only wants access to the Red Sea. Other groups, including the Arab League and the African Union, also condemned Israel’s recognition of the territory.