Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 18, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 18, 2026
Somaliland’s first ambassador in country’s history presents credentials to Herzog
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Somaliland Ambassador to Israel Mohamed Hagi (right) presents his diplomatic credentials to President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem on May 18, 2026. (Kobi Gideon/GPO)
Mohamed Hagi presents his diplomatic credentials to President Isaac Herzog, making him Somaliland’s first ambassador to a foreign country.
In December, Israel became the only country in the world to recognize Somaliland’s independence — something the territory has been seeking since declaring its autonomy from Somalia in 1991.
Hagi, appointed in February, has been serving as adviser to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, and was an architect of Israel-Somaliland relations.
The new ambassadors of the Vatican, Australia, Korea and Vietnam are also presenting their credentials today at the President’s Residence.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here