Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that could reshape political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and intensify tensions with Somalia, which strongly opposes any recognition of the breakaway region.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision on Friday, saying Israel would pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology and economic development. He congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel.
I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Together with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.
This declaration is in the spirit of… pic.twitter.com/WlZuN1HB5z
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 26, 2025
🚨Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state—the first “country” to do so.
Mark My Words: Israel will establish a military base there to counter the Houthis in Yemen. pic.twitter.com/ZiUdHDdnEn
— The Resonance (@Partisan_12) December 26, 2025
In a joint statement, Netanyahu said the recognition was in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered agreements under former president Donald Trump that normalised Israel’s relations with several Arab states beginning in 2020. Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and President Abdullahi signed a declaration of mutual recognition, according to the Israeli government.
President Abdullahi welcomed the move, saying Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords and describing the agreement as a step towards regional and global peace. He said the territory was committed to building international partnerships, boosting shared prosperity and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa.
Somalia’s federal government swiftly condemned Israel’s decision, calling it an unlawful act and a deliberate violation of its sovereignty. In a statement, the prime minister’s office said Mogadishu would pursue diplomatic, political and legal measures under international law to defend Somalia’s unity and internationally recognised borders.
The move also drew criticism from regional and international actors. Egypt said its foreign minister held urgent consultations with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti, warning that recognising breakaway regions threatened regional stability. The African Union likewise rejected the recognition, reaffirming its commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity.
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Somaliland has functioned as a de facto independent entity since 1991, maintaining relative peace and stability despite lacking international recognition. Its leaders hope Israel’s decision will encourage other states to follow suit and strengthen Somaliland’s global standing.