The Israeli Foreign Ministry's Appointments Committee, chaired by Minister Gideon Sa'ar, approved on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the appointment of diplomat Michael Lotem as Israel's first (non-resident) ambassador to Somaliland.
This decision solidifies the official relations established in December 2025 and follows Minister Sa'ar's visit to the region last January, aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation. This move also follows Somaliland's appointment of its first ambassador to Israel last February.
Michael Lotem, has previously served as ambassador to Kenya, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. His appointment, is likely to heighten tensions with Somalia, which considers the region part of its territory.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained widespread international recognition. It operates with its own government and security structures, while Somalia continues to assert sovereignty over the region.
The Somali government has consistently opposed any direct engagement with Somaliland, describing such moves as a violation of its territorial integrity and national unity.
There was no immediate comment from Somali authorities on the ambassadorial appointment.
Israel recognized Somaliland in December 2025, becoming the first and, to date, the only country to officially recognize the self-declared republic.
In January, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos with the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
In a post on social media following the meeting, Herzog wrote, 'I welcome the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two nations and look forward to deepening our bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both our peoples."
On his part, Abdirahman wrote, "Our discussions focused on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations between the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel."
The move by Israel is likely to intensify diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa, as questions of recognition, sovereignty, and regional stability remain highly sensitive.
