Israel Appoints First Ambassador to Somaliland
Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland and began embassy construction in Hargeisa, sparking condemnation from Somalia and several international organizations.
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa. The ceremony included the laying of a cornerstone for a future Israeli embassy in the capital, marking a concrete step in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
This development follows a mutual recognition agreement reached on December 26, 2025, which made Israel the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland's independence from Somalia. The process advanced through a January 2026 visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem in June 2026.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia condemned the recognition as a violation of sovereignty, alleging that Israel is seeking a naval base and access to the Red Sea. The Arab League, African Union, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have also issued condemnations. While Somaliland officials have expressed openness to hosting an Israeli military base, President Abdullahi stated that no formal talks on the matter have occurred.
