Somaliland Opens Jerusalem Embassy Following Israeli Recognition of Independence

Somaliland, the breakaway region that has governed itself since 1991, opened an embassy in Jerusalem on June 16, 2026, marking a significant diplomatic milestone six months after Israel became the first country to formally recognize its independence. The embassy, located in a technology park in West Jerusalem, was inaugurated during an official visit by Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the decision to site the mission in Jerusalem rather than Tel Aviv, where most foreign embassies are located, describing it as aligned with Israel's claims to the city as its "eternal and undivided" capital.

The establishment of ties between Israel and Somaliland has progressed rapidly since Israel's controversial December 2025 recognition. During their meeting, Netanyahu highlighted "a deep spiritual bond between our peoples" and drew parallels between Somaliland's bid for international recognition and Israel's historical claims to Jerusalem. President Abdullahi expressed appreciation for Netanyahu's "courage" in recognizing Somaliland and outlined opportunities for bilateral cooperation, particularly regarding access to Somaliland's natural resources, including rare earth minerals and oil, as well as its strategically important coastline near the Red Sea.

The move has triggered international opposition and regional tensions. Somalia's government, which views Somaliland as part of its territory, condemned the diplomatic engagement as a violation of its sovereignty. The Palestinian Authority also issued a statement denouncing the embassy opening as "a flagrant violation of international law," while dozens of countries and organizations including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the African Union have previously criticized Israel's recognition of Somaliland. The partnership offers Israel a stable ally in a strategically important region of the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland has maintained de facto independence and stability since breaking away from Somalia following the collapse of the central government in 1991. It has established its own elections, currency, and security forces, yet remained internationally unrecognized until Israel's move last year. Other countries that have since established embassies in Jerusalem include Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, and Fiji, though major nations such as the UK maintain their diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv.