A diplomatic achievement for Israel: Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced today (Tuesday) that Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has decided to establish an embassy in Jerusalem. The decision represents a significant step in strengthening Jerusalem’s status as Israel’s eternal capital and in tightening diplomatic ties between the two countries. Sa’ar warmly congratulated his friend, the president of Somaliland, on what he called an “important decision.”
In his statement, Sa’ar emphasized that “opening the embassy in Jerusalem will be another significant step in strengthening relations between the countries.” He added that he intends to work together with Somaliland’s president to implement the decision as soon as possible. Once opened, the Somaliland embassy will become the eighth diplomatic mission operating from Israel’s capital.
At the end of his remarks, Sa’ar personally addressed the Somaliland president and invited him for an official visit to Israel. “Your Excellency the President, we look forward to hosting you soon in Jerusalem—our eternal capital!” Sa’ar wrote. The announcement included a joint photo of the two leaders from their meeting last January, reflecting the warm and growing relationship between the countries.
Last December, Israel took a historic step by recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity—in exchange for the East African country agreeing to absorb Gazans on its territory.
Beyond Somaliland’s willingness to absorb Gazans, the country is located in territory considered especially strategic for Israel, in a region where it has few “friends.” Creating an ally in the Gulf of Aden area could provide Israel with significant leverage it hasn’t had until now—especially against the Houthi terror organization that controls the region.