Israel’s First Somaliland Ambassador Presents Credentials in Hargeisa
Michael Lotem has presented his credentials as Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland, during ceremonies in Hargeisa that also marked the planned establishment of an Israeli embassy.
Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, has presented his credentials to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa, marking a further step in the relationship between Israel and the self-governing territory.
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Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry said the ceremonies, held the previous week according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, also included the laying of a cornerstone for an Israeli embassy in Hargeisa. Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, formally accepted Lotem’s credentials.
Cirro described the occasion as a “historical day” and said Somaliland’s location gave the relationship wider importance.
“Given our strategic position around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, our cooperation carries important regional and international significance,” he said. “Let me reaffirm that Somaliland approaches this relationship with genuine strategic commitment and a long-term perspective.”
Recognition and diplomatic ties
Israel recognised Somaliland on December 26, 2025, becoming the first United Nations member state to do so. The latest ceremony puts into effect commitments linked to the establishment of relations, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Sa’ar said the exchange of ambassadors fulfilled commitments made when Israel and Somaliland established relations. He visited Somaliland in January, while Somaliland opened an embassy in West Jerusalem during Cirro’s visit to Israel in June.
Lotem said Israel’s recognition reflected what Somaliland had built over 35 years and was not simply a diplomatic formality.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has governed itself for more than three decades. However, it remains claimed by Mogadishu and has not received recognition from any other United Nations member state.
Somalia rejects Israel’s motives
Somalia has condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of Somali sovereignty. The Arab League, African Union and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have also opposed the move.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has questioned Israel’s motives. In an interview with Sky News, he said: “Israel wants the Red Sea, that is the only reason.” He also alleged that Israel wanted a naval base in Somaliland.
Those claims have not been independently verified. The available information does not establish that Israel will build or operate a military or naval base in Somaliland.
Somaliland officials have indicated openness to hosting an Israeli military base, although Cirro recently said no talks on such a facility had taken place. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said Israel and Somaliland had cooperated on secret operations for years and intended to expand their security relationship. Further details of those alleged operations have not been provided.
Strategic location
Somaliland lies across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, close to the Bab al-Mandeb strait. The passage connects the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean and is an important maritime route.
Fighting has intensified on the Yemeni side of the strait in recent weeks. On October 9, United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg warned that Yemen had returned to full-scale war involving the Iran-aligned Houthi movement and forces of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
The developments have placed Israel’s expanding relationship with Somaliland in a wider regional context, while Somaliland continues to seek international recognition and Somalia maintains its opposition to any challenge to its territorial claim.
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