Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking the first time any country has formally granted such recognition to the breakaway region.

In a statement posted on X dated December 26, 2025, Netanyahu detailed the development: “I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Together with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration. This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.”

Netanyahu hails Somaliland leadership

Netanyahu also congratulated the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. He also invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel.

He also acknowledged key contributors: “I thank Foreign Minister Sa’ar, the Head of Mossad David Barnea, and the Mossad for their contribution to today’s development, and I wish the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom.

The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.”

In response, the Office of the President of the Republic of Somaliland issued an official declaration dated December 26, 2025. It stated: “The Republic of Somaliland warmly welcomes and deeply appreciates the historic and principled decision by the State of Israel to officially recognise its sovereignty and independence.”

“This recognition represents a milestone in Somaliland’s longstanding pursuit of international legitimacy, reaffirming its historical, legal, and moral entitlement to statehood. It further reflects the mutual respect and shared interests that have long underpinned the relationship between our peoples, and underscores Somaliland’s established record as a stable, democratic, and responsible partner in the Horn of Africa.”

Establishment of diplomatic relations

The declaration added that in response to the recognition and guided by a vision of advancing regional and global peace, the Republic of Somaliland hereby expressed its firm intention to accede to the Abraham Accords.

Through the endorsement of the framework for cooperation and dialogue, Somaliland reaffirmed its commitment to building constructive partnerships, promoting mutual prosperity, and contributing meaningfully to peace and stability across the Middle East and Africa.

It concluded, noting that through this declaration, the Republic of Somaliland further affirms that this recognition gives rise to the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel. The two governments will proceed to deepen cooperation across a broad range of sectors, guided by the principles of mutual respect, friendship, and shared values.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after functioning as a de facto state with its own government, currency, and institutions, has now received its first formal international recognition.