Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first member of the UN to formally acknowledge the breakaway region of Somalia.

The move represents a major diplomatic shift in the Horn of Africa and has prompted immediate international reactions.

Announcement was made on Friday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in a statement published on X.

PRESS RELEASE

Statement on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel pic.twitter.com/cjQFDtE8mb

— MFA Somaliland (@somalilandmfa) December 26, 2025

“The Prime Minister of Israel announces the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state,” the statement said, framing the decision within the spirit of the Abraham Accords promoted during Donald Trump’s presidency.

According to the Israeli government, Netanyahu informed Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as ‘Irro’, during a phone call while signing the formal recognition document.

Israel stated that it plans to rapidly expand bilateral relations through cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and economic development.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the “mutual recognition” agreement was the result of extensive and continuous dialogue over the past year. U.S. media reported that confidential meetings and visits between senior officials from both sides had taken place since March, paving the way for the formal decision.

The statement from Somaliland

From Hargeisa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland welcomed Israel’s move as a “historic milestone” in its long quest for international legitimacy and expressed its intention to join the Abraham Accords to establish full diplomatic relations. 

President Abdullahi described the recognition as the beginning of a strategic partnership that strengthens regional peace and security.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali state and has maintained its own political institutions and relative stability. 

However, until now, no UN member state had formally recognized its sovereignty. Israel had briefly recognized the State of Somaliland in 1960 during its five-day existence.

Decision drew swift condemnation from Somalia and its allies, including Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti. In a joint statement, the countries rejected the recognition, calling it a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and a dangerous precedent that undermines international law and the UN Charter.

The broader geopolitical context has also raised concerns. Reports suggest contacts between Israel, the United States, and East African governments, including Somaliland, regarding potential relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. 

The signatory countries firmly rejected any plan involving forced displacement, as the Gaza war and ceasefire negotiations continue to shape regional diplomacy.