Israel has ones again taken a historic diplomatic step by appointing its first ambassador to Somaliland.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has approved the appointment of Michael Lotem as the country’s first-ever ambassador to Somaliland, marking a new step in expanding diplomatic engagement with the republic of Somaliland
The appointment was confirmed on Wednesday by the Foreign Ministry’s Appointments Committee, chaired by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Diplomat Lotem, who currently serves as a non-resident economic ambassador to Africa, will initially take up the role in a non-resident capacity, writes by Israel National News outlet.
Ambassador Lotem brings extensive diplomatic experience, having previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.
In the same session, Yahel Vilan was appointed Israel’s ambassador to Singapore and East Timor. He previously held ambassadorial posts in Kenya and Serbia.
Growing Israel–Somaliland Relations
Israel formally recognized Somaliland in December 2025, becoming the first country to grant official recognition to the Republic of Somaliland which reclaimed its independence from Somalia in 1991 after the failed Union in 1960s.
Shortly after recognition, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Somaliland, signaling early momentum in bilateral relations.
In January, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Herzog described the development as the establishment of diplomatic relations and expressed interest in expanding cooperation.
President Abdirahman, in a separate statement, emphasized discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties between Somaliland and Israel.
In February, Somaliland officially appointed its first ambassador to the state Israel.
Somaliland president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, recently described Israel as a “reliable partner” during a constitutional address, a statement interpreted by some analysts as a reflection of ongoing or potential ties.
