Somaliland leader’s Israel trip rattles Houthis as Mogadishu protests

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro made a three-day visit to Israel starting June 14, opening an embassy in Jerusalem. The visit, five months after Israel recognized Somaliland's independence, triggered a diplomatic protest from Somalia and threats from Yemen's Houthi movement. Irro met Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. Israel framed the relationship as part of broader efforts to deepen ties with Africa.