HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has published details of the expected visit of Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro to Israel, a trip that would mark the first known visit by a Somaliland leader to the country.
According to the report, the visit is expected to include the inauguration of a Somaliland diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, a move that could further strengthen ties between Somaliland and Israel.
The itinerary reportedly includes a visit to the grave of Theodor Herzl, the Jewish journalist, writer, and political activist widely regarded as the founder of modern Zionism. Although Herzl died decades before the establishment of Israel in 1948, he is often referred to as the “Father of Modern Zionism” for his role in promoting the idea of a Jewish state.
President Irro is also expected to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial and museum, before holding meetings with Isaac Herzog and senior officials involved in the country’s economic and investment sectors.
According to the newspaper, the most significant meetings of the visit are scheduled for Monday, when President Irro is expected to meet with Benjamin Netanyahu and Gideon Sa’ar to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
The reported visit comes amid growing speculation about closer ties between Somaliland and Israel. Supporters view such engagement as part of Somaliland’s broader efforts to expand its international partnerships and diplomatic outreach.
The development also follows recent remarks by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who described any attempt by Somaliland to seek recognition through closer relations with Israel as a “trap.” The Somali president argued that Somaliland would not achieve international recognition through such a strategy, regardless of how closely it aligns itself with Israel.
Neither Somaliland nor Israeli authorities had officially confirmed all aspects of the reported itinerary at the time of publication.