Story perspectives

Israel names first ambassador to Somaliland, sparks sovereignty outcry.

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved senior diplomat Michael Lotem as the nation’s first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, based in Jerusalem.
Foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Libya, the Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Turkey issued a joint statement calling the move a flagrant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy, noting its Sunni-majority tolerance.

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Story summary

Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved senior diplomat Michael Lotem as the nation’s first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, based in Jerusalem.
Foreign ministers of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Libya, the Palestinian Authority, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Turkey issued a joint statement calling the move a flagrant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy, noting its Sunni-majority tolerance.