US Backs Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland at UN, Rejects Claims of Double Standards
United Nations: The United States has defended Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, pushing back against accusations of double standards during a heated debate at the United Nations Security Council on Monday.
Speaking at an emergency session, US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce said Israel has the same right as any sovereign nation to establish diplomatic relations. She drew a comparison between Israel’s move and the recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries earlier this year.
Bruce argued that despite multiple nations unilaterally recognizing Palestine — which the US does not recognize as a state — no emergency Security Council meeting was convened at the time. She said the criticism directed at Israel now reflected inconsistent standards among UN members.
Israel’s announcement last Friday that it would formally recognize Somaliland sparked backlash from Somalia, the African Union, Egypt, and the European Union, all of whom reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite Washington’s defense of Israel at the UN, Bruce clarified that US policy remains unchanged. She noted that President Donald Trump does not support recognizing Somaliland as an independent country.
Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Žbogar rejected the US comparison, stating that Palestine differs fundamentally from Somaliland. He said Palestine is an illegally occupied territory, as recognized by international legal bodies, whereas Somaliland is internationally acknowledged as part of Somalia — a UN member state — making its recognition inconsistent with the UN Charter.
Somalia’s UN Ambassador Abukar Osman strongly condemned Israel’s move, calling it an act that encourages fragmentation of Somalia’s territory. He urged the United Nations to clearly reject any actions that undermine the country’s unity.
Several Security Council members echoed support for Somalia without directly naming Israel. UK Ambassador James Kariuki reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.
Israel’s UN representative Jonathan Miller said the recognition was not intended as a hostile act toward Somalia and emphasized that it does not rule out future dialogue. He described the decision as an opportunity to promote regional stability.
Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has remained largely unrecognized internationally. Its position along the Gulf of Aden, directly across from Yemen, gives the region strategic significance.