Tel Aviv (Somalia Today) — Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on Monday accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of bypassing formal decision-making protocols when Israel recognized Somaliland as an independent state, arguing the move lacked approval from either the government or the security cabinet.
Lapid made the remarks during a session of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, according to footage broadcast by the Knesset Channel.
‘PMO decision’
“Israel announced it was the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state,” Lapid said.
“This was not a decision of the government or the security cabinet. It was a decision of the Prime Minister’s Office,” he added.
Lapid asserted that the subsequent condemnation from multiple countries, including regional powers, highlighted what he described as the absence of a coherent foreign policy.
Netanyahu announced the recognition on December 26, when Israel and Somaliland signed a declaration of mutual recognition.
He said Israel would seek cooperation with Somaliland in sectors including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy, citing the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
Somalia condemned the move as a violation of its sovereignty and promised to oppose it through diplomatic, political, and legal means.
International backlash
The recognition immediately drew sharp criticism from regional states and Somalia’s key partners—including Egypt, Türkiye, and Djibouti—who raised concerns about the implications for stability and international norms.
These sentiments were echoed by the African Union, which reiterated its unwavering support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Beyond the continent, the reaction was equally swift.
The EU’s External Action Service emphasized the need to respect Somalia’s “unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” encouraging dialogue between Somaliland and the federal government to resolve their differences.
China joined the international consensus on Monday, stating its opposition to the recognition and reaffirming its support for Somalia’s sovereignty.
At a regular briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized nations that back separatist movements for self-interest, urging Somaliland to cease “separatist actions” and external collaboration.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has set up its own government and security forces. However, before Israel’s announcement, it had not received formal recognition from any UN member state.
Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as part of its national territory, and most international actors have long supported negotiations as the primary framework for addressing the issue.
