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Israel has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, marking a major diplomatic step for the breakaway state.
Netanyahu’s office said Israel and Somaliland signed a mutual declaration on recognition, stating that the move was made “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords initiated by President Donald Trump.”
The announcement came amid a combined attack in the Jezreel Valley in which two people, identified as 19-year-old Aviv Maor and Shimshon Mordechai, were killed.
Netanyahu has not yet commented publicly on the attack.
Israel is the second country to recognize Somaliland after Taiwan, according to reports cited in the announcement.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he spoke with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi following the decision and welcomed the agreement as a significant step for both sides.
Sa’ar said that relations between Israel and Somaliland had taken shape over the past year through extensive and ongoing dialogue.
He said the two sides signed an agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
According to Sa’ar, Israel and Somaliland will work together to promote bilateral relations, regional stability and economic prosperity.
He said he instructed his ministry to act immediately to institutionalize ties across a wide range of fields.
Reports cited in the announcement also said Somaliland may accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, though no further details were provided.
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