Somaliland has announced plans to open its embassy in the disputed city of Jerusalem, while Israel will also open an embassy in Hargeisa, according to Somaliland’s ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Hagi.
Hagi said the move was the result of a new understanding between the two sides, which he described as strengthening diplomatic relations and strategic cooperation between the two sides.
The issue has sparked various political debates. Some political analysts in Somaliland have said that the decision could bring diplomatic pressure and new hostility to Somaliland, as Jerusalem is a highly contested city, part of the territory Israel seized from the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, others argue that Somaliland cannot directly decide where to open an embassy, as Israel is the host country and sets the rules and policies regarding the opening of embassies.
This new provision comes as Jerusalem has already become a hub for several countries to relocate their embassies, despite remaining one of the most sensitive issues in Middle Eastern politics.
