The New York Times published on 26 December 2025 an article titled "Israel Becomes the First Nation to Recognize Somaliland" by Abdi Latif Dahir and Richard Perez-Pena.
Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland. The government of Somalia called the recognition an "unlawful step" by Israel, adding that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia. The African Union took the same position. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel plans to offer extensive cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
