Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland independence

Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, marking a significant diplomatic development for the state.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision on Friday, December 26, together with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moishe Sa’ar and the President of Somaliland. Israel and Somaliland signed a joint declaration “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords” brokered by President Trump.

IS TRUMP CONSIDERING A BOLD AFRICAN PLAY TO BRING BACK CHINA, RUSSIA AND ISLAMIC TERRORISTS?

In his statement on channel X, Sa’ar shared that relations between Somaliland and Israel are growing “based on comprehensive and ongoing dialogue.”

According to Sa’ar, full diplomatic relations include Israel appointing an ambassador and opening an embassy in the state.

Somaliland President Dr. In his statement, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi said that the Republic of Somaliland “warmly welcomes and deeply appreciates” Israel’s decision to recognize the sovereignty of the state.

“This recognition represents a turning point in Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international legitimacy and reaffirms its historical, legal and moral right to statehood,” Abdillahi said in his statement. he said.

Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday that this decision was a “constructive contribution to peace, stability and cooperation” across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

US DRAMATICALLY INCREASED AIR Strikes on SOMALIA AS TRUMP ADMIN TARGETED ISIS AND AL-QAEDA TERRORISTS

Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Republic of Somaliland expresses its firm intention to accede to the Abraham Accords… Somaliland looks forward to establishing relations with the State of Israel on the basis of official diplomatic relations and mutual recognition.”

Shortly after Israel’s decision, South Sudan reportedly became the second country to officially recognize Somaliland, with some questioning whether the United States would follow suit.

President Donald Trump was reportedly “exploring” recognition of Somaliland in August. Official recognition would give the United States a new foothold in the Horn of Africa through a new air and naval base near the entrance to the Red Sea Port of Berbera.

U.S. President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, on September 29, 2025 (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

“We’re looking into that right now,” Trump told reporters on Aug. 8 when asked about the possibility of state recognition and resettlement of Gazans there.

According to reports, this would position US defense forces directly against Yemen and Houthi fighters, an armed political group known for attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea.

According to previous reporting by Fox News, 30 percent of the world’s container ship traffic reportedly passes through these waters en route to or returning from the Suez Canal.

YEMEN SEPARATE FORCES CAPTURED IMPORTANT OIL REGION, CALLED THE USA FOR PARTNERSHIP AGAINST IRANIAN-SUPPORTED HUTITIS

Trump will meet with Netanyahu at his home in Mar-a-Lago on Monday, December 29, to discuss “next steps” in the Gaza peace deal.

Despite previous talks, Trump was reportedly “not ready” to embrace Somaliland’s independence and was “unimpressed” by their interest in joining the Abraham Accords.

Trump told the New York Post that he needed to “study” Netanyahu’s course, asking of the golf course “Does anyone really know what Somaliland is?” he asked.

Somaliland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullah in a phone conversation with Netanyahu on Friday, December 26. (Benjamin Netanyahu via X)

“We’re going to look into it. I work on a lot of things and I always make great decisions and they turn out to be the right ones,” Trump told the Post.

Somalia has been fighting Islamic fundamentalist fighters for decades, and U.S. Africa Command is stepping up attacks against ISIS and Al-Shabaab terrorists, according to previous reporting from Fox News Digital.

Secession has been claimed to have “eliminated radicalism”, and U.S. Secretary to the Presidency of Somaliland Khadar Hussein Abdi stated that Somaliland had “remained democratic, peaceful and self-governing, unlike Somalia” for more than three decades.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

“It is time for Somalia to focus on its own challenges and be constructive. Somalia’s illusion of unity ended a long time ago,” the statement said. The statement was included.

Netanyahu reportedly invited Abdillahi to Israel and “praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace.”