Israel rolled out a lavish state welcome for Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (known as Cirro) in Jerusalem, extending honors rarely accorded to the leader of a territory still unrecognized by any country other than Israel.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Abdullahi said: “For 35 years we have been asking the world to see us. And Israel and you yourself were the first to see us and recognize us.” Netanyahu framed the decision through the lens of Jewish history.

A strategic cooperation agreement was signed, and Somaliland formally opened its embassy in West Jerusalem, a move that drew condemnation from Palestine, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Arab League.

For Israel, Somaliland’s location across the Red Sea from Yemen holds strategic importance, especially amid Houthi threats. Analysts suggest Israel seeks a military foothold, though Somaliland’s president said a base is not currently planned but “cannot rule out.”

Somalia’s foreign minister expressed fears of “importing conflict,” while former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi and religious scholars have criticized the deal. The US has not changed its position on recognition, and no other country has followed Israel’s lead.

Source: www.aljazeera.com