On 26 December 2025, Israel became the first country to recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, in an event considered the potential first step in a plan for the permanent relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to the Horn of Africa and the escalation of military operations against the Houthis (Ansar Allah) in Yemen.
Somaliland, which claims the northwestern part of the former British Protectorate in northern Somalia, declared independence in 1991, but until the agreement with Israel had not secured recognition from any member of the United Nations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and Somaliland signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, describing it as “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords”, a series of peace agreements negotiated by the US government to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states.
In a phone call with the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Netanyahu stated that the friendship between the countries is “important and historic”:
“We intend to cooperate with you in the fields of the economy, agriculture and social development,” Netanyahu said. He invited Abdullahi for an official visit to Israel, with Abdullahi stating that he would come “as soon as possible”.
Netanyahu appears in a video telling Abdullahi: “I want you to know that I am signing now, at this very moment, the official recognition of Somaliland by Israel”, adding that the new relationship will provide economic opportunities.
“I am very, very happy and proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland all the best,” he said.
Netanyahu noted that the declaration “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which were signed at the initiative of (Donald) Trump”.
Abdullahi confirmed in a separate statement that Somaliland will join the Abraham Accords, stressing that it is committed to building partnerships, strengthening mutual prosperity and promoting stability in the Middle East and Africa.
International reactions
The government of Somalia characterized the Israel–Somaliland agreement as an “attack” on its sovereignty and an “illegal act”, describing Somaliland as an “integral” part of the country.
The foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti also condemned the recognition, in a joint statement from Cairo, emphasizing their full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.
Saudi Arabia expressed strong opposition, stressing its “full support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and for its unity and territorial integrity”.
By contrast, the United States did not share Israel’s enthusiasm. Trump told the New York Times that he would not follow Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, but would “study” the issue.
Displacement of the Palestinians
The recognition of Somaliland by Israel was not unexpected. Israeli media reported that Abdullahi made a secret visit to Israel in October, where he met with Netanyahu, Mossad chief David Barnea and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
According to Channel 12 of Israel, the talks accelerated as Israel was searching for countries willing to host Palestinians from the Gaza Strip whom it wanted to transfer during the war.
The Associated Press reported these talks as early as March, with the United States directly involved.
Although Trump stopped referring to the plan for the permanent relocation of the Gaza population, Netanyahu’s decision to recognize Somaliland shows that efforts continue, at least from Israel’s side.
The recognition appears to have been offered to Abdullahi during talks earlier this year, in exchange for the transfer of a number of Palestinians to Somaliland.
Now this has taken place and soon we may see a “voluntary initiative” by Israel to facilitate the relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Somaliland.
The Houthis also in the crosshairs
In addition, Somaliland is located less than 300 kilometers from Yemen, especially from the Red Sea coast largely controlled by the Houthis.
Israel could use areas of Somaliland for intelligence and military operations against the Houthis, with two well equipped airports, Berbera and Hargeisa Egal, which would facilitate future air operations.
Overall, the agreement with Somaliland has the potential to become a major strategic advantage for Israel, if supported by the United States.
However, the country may face security problems and threats, especially if it decides to establish a permanent military or intelligence presence, given local tribal tensions and the Muslim population of Somaliland.
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