“Somaliland” appoints first ambassador to ‘Israel’ amid war on Gaza
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
In a ceremony on Monday, Mohamed Hagi formally presented his credentials to ‘Israeli’ President Isaac Herzog, becoming the first ambassador of the so-called Somaliland to any foreign country.
The self-declared entity, which unilaterally separated from Somalia in 1991 but lacks broad international recognition, has pursued deepening ties with ‘Israel’ following the latter’s unprecedented (and first-ever) recognition of Somaliland’s independence in December 2025.
I was delighted to receive the first-ever Ambassador of Somaliland to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, who presented his diplomatic credentials this morning.
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) May 18, 2026
Ambassador Hagi was kind enough to praise our orchestra, who played the national anthem of Somaliland for the first time ever in… pic.twitter.com/g7gMX7YWrY
This move occurs against the backdrop of ‘Israel’s’ ongoing assault on Gaza, which has drawn widespread international scrutiny and accusations of disproportionate force and civilian suffering.
Critics view the timing and nature of Israel’s engagement with the breakaway region as strategically motivated, with both Somalia and the Palestinian Authority suggesting it could be linked to the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza.
Reports and statements from Somali officials and others have previously alleged that ‘Israel’ explored options involving Somaliland as a destination for displaced Palestinians from Gaza, a claim both parties have denied.
Nevertheless, the diplomatic normalization fuels suspicions that the partnership serves ‘Israeli’ interests in the Horn of Africa.
The establishment of formal ties, including ambassadorial exchanges, has also provoked backlash from several Arab and Muslim states.
