By Michael Freund, The Jerusalem Post

When Israel made the historic decision late last year to recognize Somaliland, it did something few nations are willing to do: it acted on principle and strategic interest rather than diplomatic convention.

After more than three decades in which Somaliland has maintained its own institutions, elections, security forces, and governing structures – including multiple competitive presidential elections with peaceful transfers of power – Israel became the first country to acknowledge Somaliland’s claim to sovereign statehood.

That decision mattered. But recognition alone is not enough.

Israel needs to take the next step forward

If Israel truly believes Somaliland deserves a seat among the family of nations, then it cannot stop at the bilateral opening of embassies and exchange of ambassadors. Jerusalem should actively use its diplomatic influence – particularly in the United States, as well as with Ethiopia – to persuade others to follow suit.

Because if Israel does not help to translate recognition into broader diplomatic engagement, it risks allowing a historic initiative to remain isolated rather than transformative.

This is not merely about Somaliland. It is about whether Israel can demonstrate that it possesses the capacity to assist its friends and shape outcomes.

The timing could hardly be more important.

In recent days, reports that Somaliland intends to establish its embassy in Jerusalem – a step few Muslim-majority governments would ever dream of contemplating – triggered harsh criticism across parts of the Arab and Islamic world.

And therein lies a remarkable irony.

For decades, many in the Arab and Muslim world have portrayed themselves as natural partners for Muslim societies seeking development and international standing.

Yet when Somaliland, a predominantly Muslim territory that has functioned independently since the collapse of Somalia in 1991, sought recognition and friendship, none stepped forward.

Not one Arab state nor any Muslim-majority country.

Instead, it was Israel – the world’s only Jewish state – that extended recognition.

That fact alone ought to give pause.

Read more: Will Israel stand alone for Somaliland?

Source: The Jerusalem Post