The Israeli government emphasized that Somaliland is considered a relevant actor in a region marked by geopolitical tensions, strategic trade routes, and threats linked to terrorism and piracy. In turn, the President of Somaliland thanked for the recognition and expressed his 'deep appreciation' to the Israeli Prime Minister, highlighting Israel's role in the fight against terrorism and the promotion of regional stability. At the same time, they warn that the decision could generate diplomatic reactions from Somalia and other countries that support the territorial integrity of Somalia. With this move, Israel reinforces its strategy of diversifying alliances outside its immediate environment and opens a new diplomatic front, while Somaliland gains one of the most significant international supports since its declaration of independence more than three decades ago. Israeli diplomatic sources indicated that contacts between both parties developed discreetly over several months, with a strong component of cooperation in security matters. Parallel to the political announcement, Israel announced that it plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through cooperation agreements in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. From Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, the Israeli gesture was presented as a historic step towards the international consolidation of the territory. Netanyahu also publicly thanked Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Mossad chief David Barnea, and the intelligence teams for their contribution to the process that led to the recognition. In particular, projects related to water management, agricultural innovation in arid zones, public health, and the development of technological capabilities are being evaluated, areas in which Israel seeks to project its international experience. Regional analysts point out that Israel's recognition of Somaliland could have broader geopolitical implications, both in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, by introducing a new actor recognized by Jerusalem in a key region for the maritime routes of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The announcement was accompanied by the signing of a joint and reciprocal declaration between both parties. The document was signed by Netanyahu, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, who leads the territory that proclaimed its independence from Somalia in 1991 and, to date, lacks formal recognition from most of the international community. According to the official communication disseminated from Jerusalem, the joint declaration is explicitly framed in the 'spirit of the Abraham Accords', the process of diplomatic normalization promoted during Donald Trump's presidency, which allowed Israel to establish formal relations with several Arab countries and expand its network of strategic alliances outside the Middle East. Netanyahu congratulated President Abdillahi on what he described as 'responsible leadership committed to security, stability, and peace,' and invited him to make an official visit to Israel in the short term.
