‘Israel’ recognizes Somaliland as sovereign state

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that ‘Israel’ has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, making it the first country in the world to take such a step, according to official statements released on Friday. 

Netanyahu said the decision marks a diplomatic breakthrough and confirmed that ‘Israel’ has signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. He described the move as part of expanding the Abraham Accords framework, aimed at broadening regional cooperation beyond the Middle East. 

The Prime Minister’s Office said ‘Israel’ plans to swiftly develop ties with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy, while extending an official invitation to Somaliland’s president to visit ‘Israel’.

Somaliland has operated with de facto independence since 1991 following its unilateral separation from Somalia, but has long struggled to secure international recognition.

‘Israel’s’ announcement represents the first formal breach of that diplomatic isolation and is expected to reshape geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.