Israel defies global concern over Somaliland recognition

Israel announced on Friday that it was officially recognising Somaliland, a first for the self-proclaimed republic, which in 1991 declared it had unilaterally separated from Somalia.

Israel's move has drawn widespread criticism from the African Union, Egypt and the European Union, which insist on war-torn Somalia's sovereignty.

Israel's decision has, however, received some support from its key ally, the United States, although President Donald Trump has said he opposes recognition of Somaliland.

"No one will determine for Israel whom it may conduct diplomatic relations with," Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X on Tuesday.

Saar expressed approval for remarks made Tammy Bruce, deputy representative of the US to the UN, in a discussion on Somaliland.

Speaking at the UN Security Council on Monday, Bruce criticised fellow members for what she described as inconsistent positions on state recognition.

"Earlier this year, several countries, including members of this council, made the unilateral decision to recognise a nonexistent Palestinian state, and yet no emergency meeting was called to express this Council's outrage," she said.

Several countries, including Britain and France, formally recognised a Palestinian state earlier this year, prompting furious reactions from Israel.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and had fruitlessly sought global validation until Israel's announcement of official recognition.

Located in the Horn of Africa, the northern region of Somaliland is lies across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen and close to Red Sea shipping lanes, making it strategically valuable.