Israel has become the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gide'on Sa'ar signed a declaration on behalf of Israel, while Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed it on behalf of his country.

Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Michael Kappeler / picture alliance via Getty Images
Israel's Interior Minister announced that embassies will be opened and ambassadors appointed in both countries.
Reportedly, the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti condemn Israel's recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, according to Egypt.
This move comes after reports in August suggested that Somaliland was among several countries engaged in talks with Israel regarding the possible relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim region, existed as an independent state for five days in 1960, during which it was recognized by Israel and 34 other countries, before uniting with Somalia.
Somaliland seceded in 1991, and although no other country has recognized it, several states — the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Turkey, UAE, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan — have maintained their representative offices.
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