Arab states unite in condemning Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Key Arab nations have issued coordinated condemnations of Israel's decision to recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state, branding the move illegal and a threat to regional stability. Countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Palestine reaffirmed their unwavering support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning against setting a dangerous precedent for unilateral secession.

Saudi Arabia and Palestine Lead the Condemnations

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry stated that Israel's step entrenches "unilateral, separatist measures" contrary to international law and affirmed the kingdom's "full support" for Somalia's sovereignty. Palestine rejected the recognition as a threat to Arab and regional security, with its Foreign Ministry accusing Israel of a broader pattern of destabilization and suggesting the move was linked to proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland. Both nations emphasized backing for Somalia's legitimate state institutions.

Broad Diplomatic Coordination and Rejection

Egypt announced it had coordinated with regional partners, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty holding calls with counterparts from Somalia, Türkiye, and Djibouti to discuss the "dangerous developments." They agreed on a "complete rejection and condemnation" of the recognition. Kuwait, Iraq—as current chair of the Arab League—Jordan, and Qatar also issued strong statements. Qatar explicitly called on Israel to instead recognize the State of Palestine and end the war in Gaza, accusing it of undermining international legitimacy.

Context and Regional Implications

Israel's recognition on Friday made it the first country to formally acknowledge Somaliland's sovereignty since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The Somali government in Mogadishu considers Somaliland an inalienable part of its territory. The unified Arab stance underscores the principle of territorial integrity as a cornerstone of regional policy and reflects deep suspicion of Israel's strategic intentions in the Horn of Africa. This collective position aligns with Türkiye's earlier condemnation, demonstrating a rare moment of broad diplomatic consensus against an action perceived as a destabilizing intervention in a fellow Arab and Muslim nation's internal affairs.