Somaliland (a self-declared independent territory in the Horn of Africa, unrecognised by most of the world) has announced it will open its first-ever foreign embassy in Jerusalem, following Israel's decision in December 2025 to become the first country to formally recognise the breakaway region. Somaliland's ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Hagi, confirmed the move and described it as a sign of "growing friendship, mutual respect and strategic cooperation," while Israel plans to open a reciprocal mission in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa. The development deepens an emerging strategic partnership between the two sides — rooted partly in Somaliland's key position along the Gulf of Aden near major shipping lanes — though it has drawn criticism from over 20 countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, who warn it risks destabilising the region.