Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state has complicated its efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, according to a senior source from the Saudi royal family quoted by Israel’s Channel 12 on Sunday. The source said the move angered Riyadh and pushed the possibility of diplomatic normalization further away, warning that it increases Israel’s isolation across the region. The Saudi source described the recognition as equivalent to endorsing separatism and a violation of regional security. He cautioned that the decision challenges Arab and Muslim nations that have not recognized Somaliland, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. The source also argued that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pursuit of a second term is fueling regional instability and undermining Somalia’s UN-recognized borders, which include Somaliland. The source concluded that Netanyahu’s policies disregard international law and diplomatic norms, further straining Israel’s standing in the Middle East.