Top Somaliland official defends Israel ties amid Arab backlash

A senior Somaliland official, Hersi Ali Haji Hassan, defended the region's normalization of relations with Israel in an interview with Al Jazeera, following a visit from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in early January 2026. Hassan stated that Somaliland, which has been seeking international recognition for 34 years, felt compelled to seek ties with Israel due to a lack of support from the international community. This decision has sparked condemnation from the federal government of Somalia, the Arab League, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, who view Somaliland as part of Somalia. Hassan dismissed the criticism, emphasizing Somaliland's long-standing independence and the lack of attention it has received from Arab nations. Israel recognized Somaliland's independence in late December.