JAKARTA — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected Israel’s unilateral decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, describing the move as a breach of established international legal principles.

In a historic first, Israel officially acknowledged the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign and independent state on Friday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the recognition within the context of the Abraham Accords, stating that his government aims to pursue collaborative ventures with Somaliland across multiple sectors including agricultural development, healthcare services, technological innovation, and economic partnerships.

However, Saudi Arabia swiftly condemned the decision, emphasizing its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity, national unity, and sovereign rights. The Kingdom’s foreign ministry characterized Israel’s action as reinforcing separatist initiatives that contravene international legal standards.

In its official statement, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its backing for Somalia’s legitimate governmental institutions and underscored its dedication to maintaining regional stability and protecting the welfare of Somali citizens.

This development comes months after reports emerged suggesting that both American and Israeli officials had approached Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland with proposals regarding the potential relocation of Palestinian residents from Gaza to African territories.

The Saudi position reflects broader concerns about unilateral territorial decisions that bypass international consensus and established diplomatic frameworks governing sovereignty disputes.

Original Article:

Al-Arabiya English. (2025, December 28). Saudi Arabia rejects unilateral Israeli recognition of Somaliland.  Retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/english.alarabiya.net/amp/News/saudi-arabia/2025/12/27/saudi-arabia-rejects-unilateral-israeli-recognition-of-somaliland