Israel has officially become the first nation to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, representing a major diplomatic milestone.

The announcement was made on Friday, Dec. 26, alongside Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland.

Israel and Somaliland signed a joint declaration “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” which were mediated by President Trump.

In a statement on X, Sa’ar said that ties between Somaliland and Israel have developed through “extensive and ongoing dialogue.”

According to Sa’ar, full diplomatic relations entail Israel appointing ambassadors and establishing embassies in Somaliland.

Somaliland’s President, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, stated that his government “warmly welcomes and deeply appreciates” Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty.

“This recognition marks a milestone in Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international legitimacy, reaffirming its historical, legal, and moral right to statehood,” Abdullahi said.

In a Friday release, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision represents a “constructive contribution to peace, stability, and cooperation” in the region.

“The Republic of Somaliland hereby expresses its firm intention to join the Abraham Accords… Somaliland looks forward to engaging with the State of Israel based on formal diplomatic relations and mutual recognition,” the ministry stated.

Shortly after Israel’s decision, a second country reportedly officially recognized Somaliland, leading to questions about whether the U.S. will follow suit.

President Trump was reportedly “looking into” recognizing Somaliland in August. Official recognition would give the U.S. a new foothold in the Horn of Africa via an air and sea base near the Red Sea entrance at Berbera Port.

When questioned about recognizing the state and potentially resettling Gazans there, Trump told reporters on Aug. 8, “We’re looking into that right now.”

This would position U.S. defense forces directly across from an armed political group known for attacks on Israel and Red Sea shipping, according to reports.

Thirty percent of the world’s container ship traffic reportedly passes through these waters en route to or from the Suez Canal, according to previous reports.

Trump is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Monday, Dec. 29, at his Mar-a-Lago residence to discuss “next steps” in the region.

Despite earlier discussions, Trump is reportedly “not ready” to embrace Somaliland’s independence and was reportedly “unimpressed” by its interest in joining the Abraham Accords.

Trump told the New York Post he needs to “study” Netanyahu’s proposal and asked from his golf course, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”

“We’ll study it. I study a lot of things and always make great decisions, and they turn out to be correct,” Trump told the Post.

Somalia has been battling Islamist fundamentalist fighters for decades, with ongoing operations against ISIS and al-Shabab terrorists, according to previous digital reporting.

The breakaway region has allegedly “eliminated radicalism” and aligned itself with the U.S. Somaliland Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi said that for over three decades, Somaliland has “remained democratic, peaceful, and self-governing — unlike Somalia.”

“It’s time for Somalia to focus on its own challenges and be constructive. The illusion of Somali unity ended long ago.”

Netanyahu reportedly invited Abdullahi to Israel and “praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace.”