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Israel has named its first ambassador to Somaliland, deepening ties months after becoming the first country to officially recognise the breakaway region.
The appointment of Michael Lotem—a former ambassador to Kenya—marks another step in strengthening relations that have rapidly evolved since December, when Israel ended Somaliland’s decades-long diplomatic isolation by recognising it.
Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised Israel as a “reliable partner” during a parliamentary address, receiving strong support from lawmakers.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Somalia, whose foreign ministry condemned the appointment as a violation of its sovereignty. Somalia continues to reject Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of independence following a civil war.
International bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, African Union, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and European Union, have also criticised Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Since establishing ties, both sides have intensified cooperation. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Hargeisa in January, while Somaliland has sent delegations to Israel for training in sectors such as water management. Discussions on a potential trade agreement are also underway.
Israel has further approved Mohamed Hagi as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, signalling mutual diplomatic engagement.
The growing relationship has heightened tensions, with Somalia warning against foreign involvement in its territory. Concerns have also been raised over possible military cooperation, including speculation about an Israeli base in Somaliland—an idea officials there have not ruled out.
The situation is further complicated by regional security dynamics, particularly across the Gulf of Aden near Yemen, where the Iran-backed Houthi movement has threatened to target any Israeli presence in Somaliland.
Somalia has cautioned that such developments risk escalating instability in an already fragile region.
