Israel Recognizes Somaliland As An Independent State

 

Israel becomes the first country to recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, more than three decades after it broke away from Somalia.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sign the declaration for Israel, while Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signs for his country.

Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim country, enjoyed five days of independence in 1960, during which time it was recognized by Israel and 34 other countries before uniting with Somalia. Somaliland formally broke away in 1991, and while no other countries recognized it, several powerful countries — the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan — maintained liaison offices.

Speaking to Abdullahi by phone, Netanyahu says the friendship between the countries is “seminal and historic.”

“We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development,” Netanyahu says.
 

Israel’s declaration recognizing the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on December 26, 2025. (Foreign Ministry)
Netanyahu invites Abdullahi for an official visit to Israel, and says he will communicate to US President Donald Trump Somaliland’s desire to join the Abraham Accords.

Abdullahi says he will come “as soon as possible.”

Netanyahu “thanks Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Mossad Director David Barnea and the Mossad for their contribution in advancing recognition between the two countries, and wishes the people of Somaliland success, prosperity and freedom,” says his office.

Sa’ar writes on X that embassies will be opened in both countries and ambassadors appointed.

The move comes after reports in August that Somaliland was among several countries in talks with Israel regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-becomes-first-nation-to-recognize-republic-of-somaliland-as-independent-state/

I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Together with Foreign Minister Sa'ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.

This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.

I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel.

The President thanked me for this historic declaration and expressed appreciation for my achievements in fighting terrorism and advancing regional peace.

I thank Foreign Minister Sa’ar, the Head of Mossad David Barnea and the Mossad, for their contribution to today’s development, and I wish the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom.

The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.

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Benjamin Netanyahu