Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has sharply criticized Arab countries and other opponents for their condemnation of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, describing their reaction as a clear case of double standards and hypocrisy.
Danon pointed out the inconsistency when countries unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, it is accepted without discussion or objection. But when Israel exercises its sovereign right to recognize Somaliland—a stable, democratic entity that has functioned independently for over three decades—the Council rushes to convene an emergency session. This reveals the persistent bias and hypocrisy of certain members.
In statements on X on January 2, 2026, he emphasized that establishing a state for Somaliland “is not a choice but a necessity and not a favor but a right—the integral right of the people of Somaliland.” Danon contrasted this with remarks made by Algeria’s foreign minister at the UN General Assembly in September, who stated: “Establishing a state is not a choice, but a necessity. It is not a favor, but a right.” He noted that such rhetoric receives support and applause from the UN when applied to Palestinians, but draws condemnation when applied to Somaliland.
Danon concluded by highlighting the UN’s dual approach: “Yet in the UN you are one standard for the Palestinians and another standard for the entire world—shameful.”
The United States defended Israel’s sovereign right to make the decision during a UN Security Council emergency session on December 29, 2025, drawing a similar comparison to unilateral recognitions of a Palestinian state earlier in the year, while clarifying that there had been no change in its own policy toward Somaliland.
Danon’s comments follow Israel’s landmark decision on December 26, 2025, to become the first UN member state to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland’s sovereignty. The joint declaration, signed with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (also known as Cirro) in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, establishes full diplomatic relations, including the exchange of embassies and ambassadors.
