Israel's first ambassador presents credentials in Somaliland
The ceremony in Hargeisa included the laying of a cornerstone for an embassy. Somalia, the African Union and the Arab League have criticised the relationship.
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, has presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, in Hargeisa. The ceremony also marked the laying of the foundation stone for an Israeli embassy.
President Cirro described the occasion as "historic". Mr Lotem said Israel's recognition acknowledged what Somaliland had built over 35 years. Israel's foreign minister said the exchange of ambassadors fulfilled commitments made when diplomatic relations were established.
In December 2025, Israel became the first member state of the United Nations to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Mogadishu continues to claim the territory, and no other UN member state recognises it.
The relationship has drawn criticism from Somalia, the Arab League, the African Union and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has accused Israel of seeking access to the Red Sea and of wanting a naval base in Somaliland. Somaliland officials have previously signalled openness to hosting an Israeli military facility, although President Cirro said recently that no talks on the matter had taken place.