Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough in the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the move “historic” and said it reflects a shared commitment to stability, peace, and regional cooperation in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
The announcement came as Netanyahu signed a joint declaration alongside Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, formally establishing mutual recognition and full diplomatic relations. The declaration commits both sides to the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
Speaking by phone with Abdullahi during the signing, Netanyahu described the moment as “a wonderful day” and said Israel plans to expand cooperation with Somaliland in economic development, agriculture, and social development. Netanyahu also invited the Somaliland leader to visit Israel officially, an invitation Abdullahi accepted, calling the recognition a “great historical day.”
In a subsequent statement, Netanyahu said the agreement was reached “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” the normalization framework launched under President Donald Trump. Netanyahu confirmed he would personally convey Somaliland’s interest in joining the accords to President Trump.
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump on Monday at Mar-a-Lago, where discussions are expected to include Gaza, Iran, and broader regional realignments. Netanyahu credited Sa’ar, Mossad Director David Barnea, and Israel’s intelligence services for advancing the diplomatic breakthrough.
Somaliland’s government issued an official statement welcoming Israel’s decision, calling it a milestone in its long-standing pursuit of international legitimacy. Officials reaffirmed Somaliland’s record as a stable, democratic partner in the Horn of Africa and praised Israel’s decision as principled and forward-looking.
Foreign Minister Sa’ar said the agreement followed extensive dialogue over the past year and that Israel’s Foreign Ministry had been instructed to immediately institutionalize ties across agriculture, health, technology, and economic cooperation. The agreement aligns with Israel’s broader effort to expand engagement in Africa and along critical maritime corridors.
Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, near one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, has long made it significant for regional security, trade, and counterterrorism. The territory has operated as a de facto independent state since separating from Somalia in 1991, maintaining relative stability and democratic governance despite regional instability.
In the United States, momentum has been building for closer ties with Somaliland. Lawmakers including Rep. John Moolenaar and Rep. Chris Smith have urged the State Department to formally distinguish Somaliland from Somalia in travel advisories. Sen. Ted Cruz has also called on President Trump to recognize Somaliland, citing its pro-Israel stance and strategic value in countering Chinese and Iranian influence.
Israel’s recognition places new pressure on Western governments to reassess long-standing policies and signals a potential shift in regional diplomacy shaped by Trump-era realignments.
