After Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, what comes next?

[Deeq A.]

After Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, what comes next?

In a historic move, Israel has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Preceded only by Taiwan, Israel is the first United Nations member to recognize Somaliland after more than three decades of international impasse. Announced on December 26, the recognition was formalized through a joint declaration signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah. In parallel, Somaliland pledged to join the Abraham Accords, aligning itself with Washington’s regional normalization framework.

Somaliland’s leaders hailed Israel’s decision as “historic,” celebrating it as long-awaited validation of de facto statehood, with the Israeli flag projected in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa. The decision builds on Somaliland’s record of relative stability and functioning democratic institutions, factors that have long differentiated it within a volatile region. However, beyond its symbolism, the significance of recognition will be shaped by its implementation. How Israel translates this decision into security, economic, and diplomatic engagement, while managing regional sensitivities and coordinating with key partners, particularly the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will determine whether recognition evolves into a durable framework for regional cooperation.

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