Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recognized Somaliland on Friday, making Israel the first country to do so and prompting a strong rebuke from Turkey.

What happened: Netanyahu said Israel and Somaliland signed a “joint and mutual declaration.” Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi were present at the virtual ceremony, the Israeli premier said on X. 

I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Together with Foreign Minister Sa'ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.

This declaration is in the spirit of… pic.twitter.com/WlZuN1HB5z

“The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology and economy,” said Netanyahu. 

In a video posted by his office, Netanyahu said he would inform US President Donald Trump of Somaliland's desire to join the Abraham Accords.

"I'll communicate to President Trump your willingness and desire to........

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