Somaliland to Open Jerusalem Embassy as Second Muslim Nation in Israel Deal

JERUSALEM – Somaliland will open an embassy in Jerusalem, becoming only the second Muslim‑majority entity to do so after Kosovo. The announcement was made by Dr. Mohamed Hagi, Somaliland’s newly appointed ambassador to Israel, shortly after he presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday, May 18. The ceremony coincided with Somaliland’s celebration of the 35th anniversary of its self‑declared independence from Somalia.

“I am pleased to announce that the Republic of Somaliland’s Embassy will be located in Jerusalem and will be inaugurated shortly,” Ambassador Hagi said. “Israel will also establish its embassy in Hargeisa, demonstrating strengthening friendship, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation between our nations.” President Herzog welcomed the appointment, describing the moment as the beginning of an “important new partnership”. “The ambassador spoke positively about the music group performing the Somaliland national anthem in Israel for the first time,” Herzog wrote on social media. “This new cooperation between our nations will lead to future collaboration in various sectors, benefiting both peoples and the wider region.” Israel had formally accepted Somaliland’s first ambassador months earlier, and the credential ceremony marked the formal start of the diplomatic mission.

The development follows Israel’s landmark decision on December 26, 2025, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed an agreement formally recognizing Somaliland as an independent sovereign state, making Israel the first United Nations member to do so. In return, Israel committed to establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital. Somaliland declared independence from the Federal Republic of Somalia in May 1991 following a devastating civil war. Despite functioning as a de facto sovereign state with its own currency, military, and democratic processes for over three decades, it remained internationally unrecognized until the late 2025 agreement with Israel.

Deepening Strategic Cooperation

Ambassador Hagi’s credentials ceremony followed Israel’s formal acceptance of Somaliland’s inaugural ambassador in February 2026, and Somalia’s subsequent condemnation of Israel’s appointment of a non‑resident ambassador to the breakaway region. Israel appointed its first ambassador to Somaliland in a controversial move, which Mogadishu strongly condemned. The alliance occurs amid significant regional instability. Intelligence reports suggest Israel has considered establishing a strategic security presence at Berbera Port to protect vital maritime routes from Houthi missile and drone threats. Somaliland has offered Israel mineral rights in exchange for technology, and the territory stands to gain diplomatic momentum from the formal opening of an embassy in Jerusalem.

Celebrating 35 Years of Independence

The embassy announcement came as Somaliland celebrated its 35th independence anniversary in Hargeisa on May 18. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro joined thousands of citizens in the city’s central square, where Somaliland’s armed forces conducted military parades and tactical demonstrations. In his keynote address, President Irro described the anniversary as historically significant, noting that it was the first time the celebration had received international recognition. He told the Somali people that Somaliland is “another country that has emerged for the Somali nation” and urged the international community to support recognition efforts. The ceremony, attended by senior Somaliland officials, diplomats, and foreign guests, underscored Hargeisa’s determination to cement its status as a separate political entity.

Controversy And Widespread Condemnation

Somaliland’s choice of Jerusalem for its embassy bypasses the long‑standing international consensus that foreign embassies should remain in Tel Aviv until East Jerusalem’s status is resolved through Israeli‑Palestinian peace negotiations. The decision has drawn sharp scrutiny from Arab and Islamic nations. Mogadishu has leveraged this domestic and regional opposition, collaborating with allies such as Turkey to criticise the bilateral relationship as destabilising for the Horn of Africa. Somalia condemned Israel’s appointment of its first ambassador to Somaliland, calling the move a “dangerous precedent”. Somaliland has dismissed Arab‑Muslim criticism over its engagement with Israel, arguing that it is exercising its sovereign right to establish diplomatic relations.

The African Union Peace and Security Council has rejected the unilateral recognition of Somaliland by Israel and called for its immediate revocation. The European Union has reaffirmed its support for a “One Somalia” policy, emphasising the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. As both Hargeisa and Jerusalem prepare to establish their respective diplomatic missions, how President Irro’s administration will respond to the strong backlash from the Arab League and neighbouring African states remains uncertain. The embassy announcement, however, represents a significant step in the deepening ties between Israel and Somaliland – a development that is likely to further escalate tensions with Mogadishu and its regional allies.