Israel Breaks Ranks, Recognizes Somaliland, Drawing Arab Condemnation

Israel has become the first country to formally recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. The move has triggered immediate diplomatic backlash from Arab nations. The Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rejected Israel's decision. They reaffirmed their support for Somalia's sovereignty over its entire territory, including Somaliland. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. It functions as a self-governing region but is not recognized by the United Nations or any nation until now. Analysts see the recognition as part of Israel's effort to build new alliances in strategic regions. The Red Sea coastline of Somaliland is a key global shipping route. Somalia's government has called the move an "aggression" and recalled its ambassador to Israel for consultations. The recognition further complicates fragile politics in the Horn of Africa.