Tower of David Gathering Highlights Somaliland’s Growing Diplomatic Effort

JERUSALEM — Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel, Dr. Mohamed Hagi Mohamoud, appeared alongside U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at a diplomatic reception in Jerusalem, an encounter that has drawn renewed attention to Somaliland’s efforts to deepen its international relationships as President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro prepares for a high-level visit to the United States.

The two diplomats attended the “Bridge of Gold for International Unity” event at Jerusalem’s historic Tower of David, where ambassadors and senior diplomats based in the city gathered for an evening centered on international engagement and unity. Mohamoud said he was honored to participate in the event alongside Huckabee and fellow diplomatic representatives.

“Honored to participate in this important event at the Tower of David in Jerusalem, the Bridge of Gold for International Unity alongside the U.S. Ambassador and fellow ambassadors and diplomats based in Jerusalem,” Mohamoud wrote on social media.

A Diplomatic Moment with Washington in View

The Jerusalem appearance comes at a notable moment for Hargeisa. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro departed for an official visit to the United States on September 2, 2026, where he is expected to pursue discussions aimed at strengthening Somaliland’s relationship with Washington. The visit is Irro’s first trip to the U.S. as president and is focused on political and diplomatic matters, security and economic cooperation, promoting investment, and advancing Somaliland’s campaign for international recognition.

The juxtaposition of the Jerusalem meeting and the president’s U.S. engagement has fueled speculation among Somaliland supporters about whether the its diplomatic outreach is entering a more consequential phase. Irro is expected to meet members of the House of Representatives and the Senate during his visit, and hopes to meet President Donald Trump, though the White House has not yet confirmed a meeting.

The Significance of the US Ambassador’s Presence

Huckabee, a prominent evangelical Christian and staunch supporter of Israel, was appointed as U.S. ambassador to Israel by President Trump in 2025. His presence at the Jerusalem event alongside Mohamoud carries particular weight given his well-documented views on Israeli territorial claims.

The ambassador has previously made controversial statements regarding Israel’s territorial rights, including in February 2026 when he claimed that “according to biblical tradition, Israel has rights to most of the land in the Middle East.” Those remarks drew sharp condemnation from multiple Arab and Islamic nations, with Saudi Arabia calling them “irresponsible” and “dangerous,” and Egypt reaffirming that “Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territories or any other Arab land.” Seventeen Arab and Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, condemned his remarks, viewing them as “dangerous and provocative” and a “flagrant violation of international law.”

Huckabee’s presence at an event with a Muslim-‘country’s’ ambassador (Somaliland) is significant from a public relations and perception standpoint. For an ambassador who has faced widespread criticism from Arab and Muslim nations for his controversial remarks, sharing a platform with a Muslim diplomat in Israel occupied land, may be seen as a deliberate attempt to normalize Israel ongoing genocide and occupation.

For Somaliland, the engagement provides a valuable opportunity to demonstrate its ability to maintain diplomatic relations with both Israel and the United States. For Huckabee and the Israeli government, having a Muslim ambassador attend such an event provides a useful counter-narrative to the widespread condemnation they face over Israel’s actions, including the ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The juxtaposition of Somaliland’s ambassador standing alongside Huckabee at a Jerusalem event is a significant public relations tool for Israel and its supporters, particularly amid the ongoing conflict and accusations of genocide against Palestinians.

However, the timing of this appearance, with the United States continuing to face international criticism for its support of Israel, gives the event added political significance. Reports of the UAE quietly building a military base at Berbera Airport in Somaliland, purportedly intended to serve the interests of the UAE, the United States, and Israel, have further heightened regional tensions.

From Jerusalem to Washington

Israel has established an intelligence presence at Berbera International Airport in Somaliland and is holding ongoing discussions about the possible creation of an Israeli military base, according to investigative reports. A Somaliland official close to President Irro told Drop Site News that in talks between the two sides prior to the establishment of diplomatic ties, Israel raised its security challenges in the region as a factor.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has confirmed that Israel worked with Somaliland discreetly for years, stating that “for many years, we have cooperated quietly in a number of activities that will remain confidential.” Katz added that Israel is “determined to raise security cooperation to new levels.”

Israel occupies a particularly important position in Somaliland’s diplomatic strategy following its recognition of Somaliland in December 2025. The development opened a new chapter in Somaliland’s diplomatic relations and provided Hargeisa with an important platform for expanding its international outreach. Somaliland subsequently opened an embassy in Jerusalem in June 2026, becoming the eighth country to establish a diplomatic mission in the city.

AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin Anderson has categorically stated that the United States has no plans to establish a military base in Somaliland, dismissing widespread speculation that has fueled tensions in the Horn of Africa. Anderson reaffirmed Washington’s longstanding policy of supporting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Somalia and Egypt have reached an agreement to enhance diplomatic cooperation against measures perceived as threatening national unity and territorial integrity, following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Critical Note

The appearance of Somaliland’s ambassador alongside the U.S. envoy at a high-profile Jerusalem event is a significant diplomatic moment for Hargeisa, offering public visibility at a time when the territory is aggressively pursuing international recognition. However, it does not establish a change in U.S. policy toward Somaliland. The U.S. State Department reaffirmed in June 2026 that Somaliland is part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and that the United States maintains “the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Somalia.

Diplomatic meetings and public appearances can signal growing engagement without necessarily indicating an imminent decision on recognition. While Somaliland supporters are encouraged by the visibility and the president’s forthcoming U.S. visit, the U.S. position remains unchanged. The recognition by Israel in December 2025 has provided momentum to Somaliland’s diplomatic campaign, but the United States has shown no indication that it is ready to follow Israel’s lead.

For Somaliland, the Jerusalem gathering offered another opportunity to cultivate relationships in person. The question remains whether these sustained engagements will eventually translate into a substantive shift in Washington’s policy, or whether the U.S. will continue to prioritize its relationship with the broader Federal Government of Somalia over the separatist region.