Israel vows to maintain Somaliland recognition despite possible change in government - report

Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsAccording to KAN, Somaliland leaders had expressed concern that, following Israel's elections, the country's attitude towards Somaliland may change for the worse.Follow us on GoogleThe Israel and Somaliland Friendship Association delegation in Israel. September 2026.(photo credit: Courtesy)NOVEMBER 12, 2026 22:31Israeli sources reassured Somaliland leaders that the country had no plans to reverse its recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity, even if Israel were to shift away from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership, KAN News reported on Thursday.According to KAN, Somaliland leaders had expressed concern that, after Israel's elections weakened Netanyahu's political power and Gadi Eisenkot received the mandate to form the next government, the country's attitude towards Somaliland may change for the worse.Israeli sources - including several non-political ones, KAN reported - told the leaders that the issue of Somaliland's recognition is not a controversial one in Israeli politics.In December, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.Last week, Israel’s Ambassador to Somaliland Michael Lotem presented his credentials to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa.Israel’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, November 1, 2026. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)“Israel is determined to develop and strengthen its relations with Somaliland," said Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.“The appointment of ambassadors, in accordance with the agreement reached when our countries established mutual recognition, is another important step in deepening the ties between us.”Somalia looking to deepen security cooperation with Israel, adviser saysSenior Somaliland presidential foreign affairs adviser Mohamed Osman Fadal said last month that Somaliland is seeking to deepen security cooperation with Israel, including by obtaining air-defense systems, amid Turkey's growing military presence in Somalia."We need air-defense systems," Fadal said in an interview with Middle East Eye. "We want Israel to support us against Turkey."Follow us on Google