Qatar is furious
UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Session Over Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
A diplomatic firestorm erupts after Israel recognizes Somaliland, triggering furious reactions across the Arab world and forcing the UN Security Council into an emergency session amid accusations of violating international law and regional sovereignty.
An international storm erupted following Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland, prompting the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session early next week.
The move comes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi announced mutual recognition on Friday, declaring the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
Arab states reacted with fury to the announcement, with Qatar leading the backlash. In a statement released over the weekend, Doha condemned Israel’s decision as a “dangerous precedent and a unilateral act that contradicts international law and undermines Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.”
Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and several other Arab and Muslim countries also voiced opposition and aligned themselves with Somalia. Notably, the United Arab Emirates, which maintains close ties with Israel, has so far refrained from publicly condemning the move.
In response, Somalia, currently holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for January, formally requested an urgent discussion on the issue. The emergency session is scheduled for Monday, December 29, at 3:00 p.m. New York time.
The debate will focus on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has never been internationally recognized, despite operating with its own government, security forces, and elections for more than three decades.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon addressed the upcoming session, stating: “Israel will act responsibly and with sound judgment and will not be deterred by political discussions aimed at undermining sovereign decisions. We will continue to cooperate with any actor that contributes to regional stability.”