Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 26, triggered immediate condemnation from Somalia and across Africa and the Middle East. Yemen’s Houthi movement warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be treated as a military target. The tensions deepened when Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland this month, including the strategic port city of Berbera, and discussed security cooperation. Somaliland officials signalled openness to hosting Israeli military assets, placing Israel directly across the Gulf of Aden from Houthi-controlled areas.

Analysts say Israel’s move reflects a strategic shift toward engaging non-traditional partners amid growing threats from Iran-backed groups. Experts cited Somaliland’s location as a potential intelligence and operational base against the Houthis, who have targeted Israeli-linked shipping in the Red Sea. Somaliland, facing diplomatic isolation and internal pressure from Somalia, views Israel’s recognition as a crucial breakthrough. Somalia’s government, however, urged renewed dialogue, warning that recognition could only come through negotiations with Mogadishu.

Both Israel and Somaliland appear to be testing the new partnership’s limits, with analysts noting that the relationship remains nascent and its long-term trajectory uncertain.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. The announcement was made on Friday, accompanied by the signing of an agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the two sides. Somaliland’s leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to Israel for the recognition, calling it a historic moment.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but had waited decades for international recognition. Since Abdullahi took office as president last year, securing recognition had been a top priority for his administration. Following Israel’s announcement, Somalia’s government held an emergency meeting, and several other countries condemned Israel’s decision.

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the move aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, referencing agreements signed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term. Somaliland’s president described the recognition as the beginning of a strategic partnership and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel.