Israel presents first ambassadorial credentials in Somaliland, drawing regional backlash
Hargeisa ceremony formalises ties; Somalia and regional bodies have condemned Israel’s recognition
Israel’s first ambassador to the breakaway territory of Somaliland presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa last week, formalising a diplomatic relationship that began with Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a state in December 2025. Somalia condemned Israel’s recognition in December as a violation of its sovereignty, and the Arab League, the African Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have also condemned it.