Israel’s First Somaliland Ambassador Presents Credentials

Israel’s first ambassador to Somaliland presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa, where officials also held a ceremony laying the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy. The diplomatic steps advance relations established after Israel recognised Somaliland in December 2025. Michael Lotem presented the credentials at a ceremony in the Somaliland capital. The cornerstone ceremony followed, marking a step toward establishing an Israeli diplomatic mission there. The reports do not say when the embassy will open or describe its planned operations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the exchange of ambassadors fulfilled commitments made when the two sides established relations. Somaliland President Abdullahi, also known as Cirro, said the occasion marked the first time a Somaliland president had received credentials from an ambassador representing a United Nations member state that recognised Somaliland’s independence. Lotem said Israel’s recognition acknowledged what Somaliland had built over 35 years. Israel recognised the territory in December 2025, becoming the first UN member state to do so. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia...