Israel on Wednesday appointed its first-ever ambassador to Somaliland, a move likely to deepen an already fraught diplomatic rift with Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu.
The appointment comes just months after Tel Aviv became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state, marking a significant shift in regional geopolitics.
In a statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said veteran diplomat Michael Lotem had been named non-resident ambassador to Somaliland. Lotem previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, bringing decades of diplomatic experience to the role.
The move follows Israel’s December 26, 2025 decision to officially recognize Somaliland as a “sovereign and independent state,” ending more than three decades of international non-recognition. The decision was swiftly condemned by Somalia and several other countries.
Mogadishu has consistently rejected Somaliland’s claim to independence, insisting the region remains an integral part of Somalia’s territory. Somali authorities have also warned against any direct engagement between foreign governments and officials in Hargeisa, describing such ties as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somaliland, however, has long argued its case is unique. It traces its claim to June 26, 1960, when it gained independence before voluntarily uniting with the former Italian-administered south to form the Somali Republic. Following the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991, Somaliland declared it was restoring its sovereignty, though it has yet to gain widespread international recognition.
In February, Israel accepted the credentials of Somaliland’s first ambassador to Tel Aviv, signaling a move toward formal bilateral relations. Lotem’s appointment appears to complete that next step, underscoring growing diplomatic ties between the two sides.
Israel has said the relationship could pave the way for cooperation in areas including security, technology, healthcare and agriculture.
The development is also seen as a foreign policy win for Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, who took office in December 2024.
For Somalia, however, the growing ties between Israel and Somaliland strike at the core of its national sovereignty. Mogadishu maintains that Somaliland remains part of its territory, a position still broadly supported by the international community.
Wednesday’s appointment is likely to further escalate tensions, highlighting an increasingly complex and sensitive diplomatic standoff in the Horn of Africa.
