Israel becomes first to recognize Somaliland

Israel has formally recognized Somaliland, becoming the first country to do so since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision during talks with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, saying Israel was recognizing Somaliland’s right to self-determination.

“As we speak, I am signing Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland and its right of self-determination,” Netanyahu said. He described the move as “seminal and historic” and said it would open the way for expanded cooperation in areas including the economy, agriculture and social development.

Netanyahu said he had invited President Irro to make an official state visit to Israel and had discussed Somaliland with U.S. President Donald Trump, including the possibility of Somaliland “joining the Abraham Accord.”

Somaliland’s foreign ministry welcomed the decision, calling it a historic step that opened “a new chapter” in international cooperation. “This recognition strengthens Somaliland’s role in peace and stability in the Horn of Africa,” the ministry said in a statement.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel and Somaliland had signed an agreement on mutual recognition following months of dialogue.

“Today we signed an agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations,” Sa’ar said in a post on X, adding that the agreement would include the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.

Somalia’s federal government had not issued a public response as of the time of writing. An emergency cabinet meeting is under way in Mogadishu.

Somaliland has gained significant international attention in recent months. In August, U.S. President Donald Trump stated publicly that he was “working on the Somaliland issue.” At the same time, a growing number of Republican lawmakers in the United States have voiced support for Somaliland’s recognition.

A leading figure in this effort is Representative Scott Perry, who introduced the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act (H.R. 10402) in December 2024. The bill calls on the United States to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign and independent nation, citing its democratic governance and continuous separation from Somalia since 1991. The legislation was co-sponsored by Representatives Andy Ogles, Pat Harrigan, and Tom Tiffany, reflecting a growing Republican bloc that views Somaliland as a strategic partner in the Horn of Africa.

While no Republican senators have formally introduced recognition legislation in the Senate, several have expressed interest in strengthening ties with Somaliland and have supported broader U.S. engagement in the region. Supporters often frame Somaliland as a democratic ally in an otherwise volatile area, contrasting its political stability with Somalia’s ongoing insecurity. These backing signals increasing momentum in Congress, even in the absence of a Senate bill.

In recent months, international media outlets have reported that Israel and the United States explored the possibility of relocating displaced Palestinians from Gaza to locations including Somaliland, Somalia, and Sudan. These reports followed remarks by Donald Trump proposing the resettlement of Gazans outside their homeland, triggering widespread controversy.

According to the reports, Israeli and American officials allegedly approached Somaliland as a potential host for Palestinian refugees, raising questions about political motivations behind the outreach. However, Somaliland’s government has firmly denied these claims.

Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan dismissed the reports as misleading, stating that no discussions or agreements had taken place regarding Palestinian resettlement. He emphasized that Somaliland has not sought recognition from Israel or the United States in exchange for accepting refugees from Gaza.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland comes at a time when Israel itself faces mounting international pressure over its ongoing war in Gaza and heightened diplomatic scrutiny. Despite this challenging backdrop, the move represents a major diplomatic victory for Somaliland, which has pursued international recognition for more than three decades.

Although Ethiopia has recently signaled a willingness to recognize Somaliland, it has not yet taken formal steps. Israel’s decision therefore marks the first official recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. This development is likely to accelerate Somaliland’s efforts to secure broader international recognition and solidify its role as a key political actor in the Horn of Africa.