Somaliland

Grapevine, May 21, 2026: New face on the diplomatic circuit

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

This aerial view shows residents waving Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.
President Isaac Herzog shakes hands with Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, after receiving his credentials at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, May 18, 2026.

Somaliland embassy to be based in Jerusalem, newly inaugurated ambassador says

President Isaac Herzog shakes hands with Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi, after receiving his credentials at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, May 18, 2026.

Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel welcomed by Herzog in historic ceremony

AVI STUDENTS and stakeholders join for a flag-planting ceremony outside AVI headquarters in October 2024.

If these flags could talk - opinion


When it comes to Somaliland recognition, foreign policy is not a popularity contest - editorial

If Jerusalem pairs recognition with restraint and serious diplomacy, this step can widen Israel’s diplomatic playbook and strengthen its strategic depth.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

Israeli recognition is historic 'lifetime achievement,' Somaliland official tells 'Post'

“This process did not happen without meetings,” Abdirahman explained. “Officials from Somaliland and Israeli officials have been meeting and discussing these matters for some time."

Director-General of Somaliland's Foreign Ministry, Mohamed Abdirahman.

Israel’s recognition highlights Somaliland’s entrapment in the world’s colonial past - analysis

The lack of willingness of countries to recognize Somaliland is solely due to the legacy of colonialism and how colonial decisions transformed into international law.

Somalis react after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, in Mogadishu, Somalia, December 27, 2025

UN Security Council to hold emergency session on Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Somaliland hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets.

US ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz (L) and Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon (R) before a UN Security Council meeting to consider a US proposal for a UN mandate to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza at the UN headquarters, New York, November 17, 2025.

The Red Sea strategy: What does Israel stand to gain from recognizing Somaliland? - analysis

Some may see it as creating a new era of international competition in the Horn of Africa - but the real issue is it may appear more of a strategic chessboard than it is.

Somalis react after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, in Mogadishu, Somalia, December 27, 2025

Trump says US won't follow Israel's lead on recognition: 'Does anyone know what Somaliland is?'

On Friday, Netanyahu and Somaliland’s President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi signed a joint declaration, making Israel the first nation to recognize the country. 

US President Donald Trump attends a press conference, as he makes an announcement about the Navy's "Golden Fleet" at Mar-a-lago in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 22, 2025.

Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti condemn Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state

Israel becomes first UN member state to recognize Somaliland, Netanyahu declares

Netanyahu congratulated Somaliland President H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi and praised his leadership and commitment to security, stability, and peace. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state

Somaliland does not rule out absorption of Gazan residents - KAN

US and Israeli officials reportedly reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss the potential transfer of displaced Gazan Palestinians.

 A woman dressed in Somaliland's flag colours parades to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024.

Trump Team May recognize Somaliland independence, former UK Minister claims

The region's peaceful elections and strategic Berbera port might influence the recognition of the breakaway state.

 A woman dressed in Somaliland's flag colours parades to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024.