Israel Recognizes Somaliland as Sovereign State

Israel formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday, becoming the first country to do so in the breakaway region's more than three-decade quest for international legitimacy. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, included the signing of a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Netanyahu described the move as a historic step in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, the series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority countries brokered during former U.S. President Donald Trump's first term. In a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Netanyahu stated, "I am signing now Israel's official recognition of Somaliland and its right to self-determination. Our friendship is seminal and historic." He invited Abdullahi to visit Israel, emphasizing opportunities for expanded partnership.

The agreement, signed by Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Abdullahi, paves the way for the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies in both countries. Saar instructed his ministry to immediately...