What Global Newspapers Wrote About Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

GAROWE — Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland has drawn wide attention across international media, with major newspapers and broadcasters offering varied assessments of a move widely described as controversial and diplomatically significant.

The New York Times reported that Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, noting that the decision prompted international rebukes, particularly from governments and organizations that support Somalia’s territorial integrity. The paper said the move could have broader implications for politics in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

The New York Post, meanwhile, focused on the position of U.S. President Donald Trump, reporting that Trump is not prepared to follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recognizing Somaliland and has said the issue remains under review.

The international news agency Reuters described Israel as the first country to officially recognize Somaliland and highlighted the strong backlash from Somalia and concerns expressed by several regional actors about the potential impact on regional stability.

Britain’s The Guardian characterized Israel’s move as “historic but contentious,” noting that Somaliland has long argued it meets the criteria for statehood but has lacked international recognition since declaring independence in 1991.

Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera emphasized opposition from Arab and Muslim countries, reporting that the Arab League, as well as countries including Turkey and Egypt, condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

Other international outlets, including France 24 and Anadolu Agency, reported that the decision has heightened concerns about stability in the Horn of Africa and could complicate ongoing efforts toward reconciliation in Somalia.

European and Asian newspapers such as Die Welt and Straits Times described the recognition as a development that could shift the region’s diplomatic balance, noting that Somaliland has now received its first formal recognition from a United Nations member state.

Overall, global media coverage has largely agreed that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland represents a significant diplomatic step, while uncertainty remains over whether other countries will follow suit. The issue continues to be closely watched as it touches on Somalia’s unity, Middle East politics and strategic competition in the Horn of Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE