Overview
- Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland and signed a joint declaration with Hargeisa to establish full diplomatic relations with plans for embassies.
- Somalia condemned the move as a violation of its sovereignty, with the African Union, Arab League, Türkiye, Egypt and Djibouti issuing sharp rebukes, and the EU reaffirming Somalia's territorial integrity.
- Twenty‑one mostly Muslim countries warned of “grave consequences” in a joint statement, while reports noted that the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco did not sign the text.
- Somaliland leaders hailed the step and, along with Israeli officials, rejected claims of any link to resettling Palestinians, a scenario previously reported by media but not confirmed.
- Analysts highlighted Somaliland’s location near the Bab al‑Mandeb and Huthi threat corridors as a strategic factor, as Al‑Shabaab vowed resistance and Somalia prepares to assume the UN Security Council presidency.