Politics
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland presents credentials in Hargeisa
November 1, 2026 at 07:27 PM
Coverage
2 reports · 1 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 3 hours
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland has presented his credentials in Hargeisa, where officials also laid the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy, implementing the December 2025 recognition agreement.
- Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi last week in Hargeisa.
- The ceremonies implemented Israel's December 26, 2025 decision to become the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland.
- Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said the ambassador exchange fulfilled commitments made when relations were established.
- Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Israel seeks Red Sea access rather than supporting independence and alleged it wants a naval base in the territory.