Israel and Somaliland establish diplomatic ties, drawing strong opposition from Somalia

Israel has accepted the appointment of Somaliland's first ambassador and pledged to appoint its own, marking a step toward formal diplomatic recognition. Somaliland's president is planning his first official visit to Israel next month, and a delegation has already toured an Israeli wastewater plant.

Somalia's president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, strongly opposes the move, warning against Israeli interference and vowing to prevent any Israeli military base in Somaliland. Somalia has also blocked an Israeli airline after it flew a minister to Somaliland. The African Union has rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland.