Will Israel stand alone for Somaliland?

Israel's historic decision to recognize Somaliland's sovereignty, made late last year, marked a departure from diplomatic convention, prioritizing principle and strategic interest. This move acknowledged Somaliland's self-governance, including its institutions, elections, and security forces, which have been maintained independently since Somalia's collapse in 1991.

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When Israel made the historic decision late last year to recognize Somaliland, it did something few nations are willing to do: it acted on principle and strategic interest rather than diplomatic convention.

However, recognition alone is insufficient. The article argues that Israel must now actively leverage its diplomatic influence, particularly with the United States and Ethiopia, to encourage broader international acceptance of Somaliland. Failure to do so risks isolating this initiative and preventing it from becoming transformative.

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But recognition alone is not enough. Now comes the harder part: turning a symbolic breakthrough into diplomatic momentum.

The timing of this diplomatic engagement is critical. Recent reports of Somaliland intending to establish an embassy in Jerusalem have drawn sharp criticism from parts of the Arab and Islamic world. This backlash highlights an irony: despite decades of portraying themselves as partners for developing Muslim societies, Arab and Muslim nations have not stepped forward to recognize Somaliland. Instead, it was Israel, the Jewish state, that extended recognition.

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If Israel does not help to translate recognition into broader diplomatic engagement, it risks allowing a historic initiative to remain isolated rather than transformative.

Somaliland's embrace of Israel has been notably public and deepening, even amidst predictable regional opposition. This demonstrates a strategic alignment that should resonate with Israel's own interests. The article suggests that Israel's capacity to assist friends and shape outcomes is being tested, making its continued support for Somaliland a matter of both principle and pragmatic foreign policy.

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For decades, many in the Arab and Muslim world have portrayed themselves as natural partners for Muslim societies seeking development and international standing. Yet when Somaliland, a predominantly Muslim territory that has functioned independently since the collapse of Somalia in 1991, sought recognition and friendship, none stepped forward.