[Israel loves Somalis. First (and only) country to recognize Somaliland.]

Israel and Somaliland: Strategy, values, resilience and legitimacy

Dec 28 2025

This is a happy day for both Israel and Somaliland.

Israel has been a sovereign, internationally recognized state since 1948. Somaliland is not there yet, although it should have been a long time ago. This delay says far more about international hesitation than about Somaliland’s legitimacy.

Israel and Somaliland share several things that are rare and deeply meaningful. First, we understand the value of true friendship. For many nations, allies are assumed. For Israelis—and for Jews, more broadly—this is never taken for granted.

Second, Israel and Somaliland are small minorities surrounded by hostility, striving not only to survive but to thrive. Israel is the world’s only Jewish state and only democracy in a region largely dominated by authoritarian Arab and Muslim regimes. At the same time, Somaliland is a functioning democracy surrounded by non-democracies, fighting daily for its freedom, legitimacy and right to exist as a sovereign nation.

We also share common enemies. The same radical ideologies that seek to destroy Israel threaten stability and progress in Somaliland, as well as across the Horn of Africa. Extremism does not distinguish between Jews in Tel Aviv and democrats in Hargeisa. It opposes pluralism, sovereignty and self-determination wherever they appear.

Israel, therefore, has compelling reasons to be the first nation to recognize Somaliland.

First, building new alliances is not merely an interest for Israel; it is a principle, passion and strategic necessity. The Jewish state understands what it means to be excluded, ignored or sacrificed on the altar of diplomatic convenience.

Second, Israel understands better than most what it means to wait decades for recognition that should have come naturally. Recognition is not a gift; it is an acknowledgment of reality. Like Israel in its early years, Somaliland has built institutions, defended its people, held elections and governed responsibly without the privileges recognition affords.

https://www.jns.org/israel-and-somaliland-strategy-values-resilience-and-legitimacy/