November 2, 2026
The League of Arab States warned of Israeli moves aimed at dividing Somalia and strengthening Israeli military and political influence off the Gulf of Aden, following the submission by Israeli Ambassador Michael Lotem of his credentials to the authorities of the “Somaliland” region and the laying of the foundation stone for the establishment of an Israeli embassy in the city of Hargeisa.
In a statement issued today, Monday, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Nabil Fahmy, condemned the two steps, considering that they represent “a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” and a continuation of the efforts rejected by the Arabs and internationally to conclude arrangements with the existing authorities in the north of the country. Fahmi warned that these moves aim to exploit internal disputes to divide Somalia and expand Israeli influence in a strategic area overlooking the Gulf of Aden.
The Arab League stressed that the “illegitimate” Israeli measures do not change the fact that the “Somaliland” region is an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, reiterating its categorical rejection of any official or semi-official dealings with the regional authorities outside the framework of Somali national sovereignty.
The League recalled the position of its Council issued at its extraordinary meeting on December 28, 2025, and at its regular session in September 2026, which included a clear condemnation of the Israeli steps aimed at dividing the country. It also affirmed its full solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its support for its legitimate institutions, warning of the dangerous repercussions of the continuation of these movements on security and stability in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
In the field context, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 1 that Ambassador Michael Lotem presented his credentials to the President of the region, Abdul Rahman Muhammad Abdullah, during a ceremony held last week in Hargeisa, followed by a foundation stone laying ceremony for the expected embassy, without specifying an official date for its opening.
These developments come as an extension of the relations launched by Israel’s declaration of recognition of the independence of the Somaliland region on December 26, 2025, a recognition that the Somali government rejects in its entirety and considers it a blatant infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
