Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland presents his credentials

Ambassador Michael Lotem presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa, where officials also laid the cornerstone of an Israeli embassy. Israel's Foreign Ministry announced the ceremonies on Sunday, saying they were held last week.

Background

Israel became the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland on Dec 26, 2025. The territory declared independence from Somalia in 1991, and no other UN member state recognizes it.

"Given our strategic position around the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, our cooperation carries important regional and international significance."

— Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Somaliland's president

Somalia's president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said Israel wants Red Sea access and alleged it wants a naval base there. Somaliland's president recently said no talks on a base had been held.