Relations escalate: Israel establishes new embassy in Somaliland

Israel's ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi. The cornerstone was laid for the new Israeli embassy in Hargeisa. Foreign Minister Sa'ar welcomed the move.

Israel is establishing a new embassy in Somaliland, as part of the advancing relations between the two countries. Israel's ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials last week to Somaliland's President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, in a ceremony at the presidential palace in Hargeisa. The step follows mutual recognition in December 2025, a visit by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to Somaliland in January 2026, and the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem in June 2026. The cornerstone was laid for the new Israeli embassy. Foreign Minister Sa'ar welcomed the move, stating that the appointment of ambassadors is an important component in strengthening relations.