• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visits Somaliland after Israel’s recognition of its sovereignty on December 26.
• Somalia condemns the visit, calling it an "unauthorized incursion" and a violation of its territorial integrity.
• The two countries plan to open embassies, marking a significant diplomatic partnership.
• Saar's visit has triggered protests and international condemnation, especially from the African Union and other nations.

Gideon Saar, Israel's Foreign Minister, arrived in Somaliland on January 6, marking the first official visit since Israel recognized the territorial sovereignty of Somaliland on December 26. This recognition made Israel the first country to do so, which has stirred significant international controversy, particularly with Somalia, which considers Somaliland a part of its territory. The visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, was confirmed by a Somaliland diplomatic source, stating it opens a new era of collaboration between the two governments, both positioned strategically in the Horn of Africa, according to Reuters, BBC, and Middle East Eye.

Somalia’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong objections to Saar's visit, labeling it as a “serious violation of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty,” and warned against any foreign engagements in their territory without approval from Mogadishu. The ministry emphasized the visit contravenes the UN Charter and international norms. Concurrently, CNN footage showed fighter jets flying over Hargeisa, heightening tensions during the visit, according to Africanews and Los Angeles Times.

During his discussions with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Saar stated that Israel would soon establish an embassy in Somaliland and appoint ambassadors, which he framed as a right of Israel to determine its diplomatic relationships independently of international criticism. He stated, “Nobody will determine for Israel who we recognize and who we maintain diplomatic relations with,” underscoring a defiant stance amid widespread derision from countries including Egypt and members of the African Union who see this recognition as a dangerous precedent, according to Reuters, Africanews, and Al Jazeera.