The Recognition Question: Somaliland, Israeli Security Geometry, and the Red Sea Power Struggle

Since its proclamation of independence from Somalia in May 1991, Somaliland has sought international recognition for the territories under its control. Despite functioning as a de facto independent state for years, it lacked any formal recognition on the international stage until recently, when Israel became the first state to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state. On Dec. 26, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, describing it as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.Despite the enthusiastic reception in Somaliland, Israel’s move did not receive The post The Recognition Question: Somaliland, Israeli Security Geometry, and the Red Sea Power Struggle appeared first on War on the Rocks .