Somaliland Official Defends Ties with Israel Amid Arab Reactions

Statements from a Senior Somaliland Official

A high-ranking official of the ruling party in Somaliland strongly defended the region's decision to normalize relations with Israel, dismissing criticisms from the Arab and Muslim world as hypocritical. In a heated interview with Al Jazeera Mubasher, Hersi Ali Haji Hassan, president of the Waddani party, argued that Somaliland was compelled to approach Israel for legitimacy after being ignored by the international community for decades.

Controversial Visit of Israeli Foreign Minister

His comments came in the wake of a controversial visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Hargeisa, the largest city in the region, which took place this week—the first since Israel recognized the region’s independence in late December. “We are not in a position to choose. We are in a state of necessity for official international recognition,” Hassan added.

Criticism from the Arab League

The visit triggered a diplomatic uproar. The federal government in Mogadishu, which considers Somaliland a part of its territory, condemned this move as a violation of sovereignty. The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation also issued statements rejecting the