Israeli ambassador presents credentials in Somaliland as embassy plans advance
Michael Lotem’s ceremony in Hargeisa marks a further step in diplomatic ties following mutual recognition in December 2025
Israel’s ambassador to Somaliland, Michael Lotem, presented his credentials to President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi last week at the Presidential Palace in Hargeisa, advancing diplomatic relations between the two sides.
The ceremony was followed by the laying of a cornerstone for a future Israeli embassy in the Somaliland capital.
The two sides established mutual recognition on December 26, 2025. Since then, a series of diplomatic visits has accompanied efforts to build formal relations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Somaliland in January 2026. Somaliland subsequently opened an embassy in Jerusalem during its president’s visit to Israel in June.
Sa’ar said the appointment of ambassadors fulfilled an agreement reached at the time of mutual recognition and represented another significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.
“Israel is determined to advance and solidify its relations with Somaliland,” he said.