Khaberni - Israel announced on Wednesday evening the appointment of its first ambassador to the separatist region of "Somaliland," which is not recognized internationally, after announcing its recognition of the region in December 2025.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Mikhail Lotem, who currently serves as the roving economic ambassador to Africa, has been appointed as the non-resident ambassador to "Somaliland".
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, is scheduled to present this appointment to the government for approval, according to the statement.
Lotem has previously served as ambassador to Kenya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation.
The separatist region announced in February that Mohamed Haji was appointed as its first ambassador to Tel Aviv.
Since declaring its independence from Somalia in 1991, the region has not received any official recognition except from Israel and behaves as an administratively, politically, and security independent entity.
The Israeli recognition has sparked sharp criticism from the Arab League, the African Union, and the European Union, which emphasize the sovereignty of Somalia amidst ongoing wars and disturbances.
Following the Israeli decision last year, Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud said that the separatist region of "Somaliland" accepted three conditions from Israel: "Resettlement of Palestinians in the region's territories, establishing a military base on the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel," according to him.
Channel 14 of Israel reported at the time that the separatist region of "Somaliland" may allow Israel to use specific areas on its territory for military purposes, including the establishment of defense facilities.
