Somaliland Opens Embassy in Jerusalem Six Months After Israeli Recognition

Somaliland has officially opened an embassy in Jerusalem, deepening diplomatic ties with Israel six months after becoming the first country to recognise the self-declared republic as an independent state.

The diplomatic mission was inaugurated during an official visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to Israel, where he held talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The embassy is located in West Jerusalem, a decision warmly welcomed by the Israeli government.

Speaking during their meeting, Netanyahu described the relationship between both parties as one rooted in shared values and historical connections. He also praised Somaliland’s decision to establish its diplomatic presence in Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv, where most foreign embassies remain.

The move however, has drawn strong criticism from Somalia, which continues to regard Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory.

In a statement, Somalia's government described engagement with Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty and called on the international community to respect its territorial integrity.

The Palestinian Authority also condemned the opening of the embassy, arguing that Jerusalem remains disputed territory under international law.

Israel recognised Somaliland's independence in December 2025, becoming the first country to formally acknowledge the territory's claim to statehood.

The decision was criticised by several countries and international organisations, including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the African Union.

Despite the controversy, relations between Israel and Somaliland have strengthened significantly in recent months. Earlier this year, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, as both sides explored deeper economic and security cooperation.

President Abdullahi praised Netanyahu for what he described as a courageous decision to recognise Somaliland and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas including trade, investment, natural resources and infrastructure.

He highlighted Somaliland's strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea corridor, describing it as a key gateway for regional commerce and security.

Somaliland has operated as a self-governing entity since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. It has maintained its own currency, security forces and democratic institutions but has struggled for decades to secure international recognition.

Israel's recognition and the opening of the Jerusalem embassy represent the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs in Somaliland's modern history.