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Israeli Foreign Minister Visits Somaliland, Angering Somalia

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. (dpa file)
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. (dpa file)
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Israeli Foreign Minister Visits Somaliland, Angering Somalia

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. (dpa file)
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. (dpa file)

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland on Tuesday on a trip that was denounced by Somalia, 10 days after Israel formally recognized the self-declared republic as an independent and sovereign state. 

Israel is the only country that has formally recognized Somaliland's move to break away from Somalia, which described Israel's decision on recognition as an "unlawful step" and said Saar's visit as a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. 

In a statement on X, Saar said that he had held talks "on the full range of relations" with Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullah, in the capital Hargeisa. 

"We are determined to vigorously ‌advance relations between Israel ‌and Somaliland," Saar wrote on X, alongside images ‌of ⁠him meeting the Somaliland ‌leader at the presidential palace. 

Somaliland's information ministry earlier said on X that Saar was leading a high-level delegation. It gave no further details but a senior Somaliland official told Reuters before the meeting with the president that the Israeli foreign minister was expected to discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties. 

Saar said Abdullah had accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make an official visit to Israel. 

Somalia's foreign ministry said in a statement that Saar's visit amounted to "unacceptable interference" in ⁠its internal affairs. 

Abdullahi said last month that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, a deal brokered by Washington in 2020 that ‌saw Gulf states the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain establish ties with Israel. 

In ‍a statement on Facebook, Somaliland's foreign ministry said: "Somaliland's president thanked Israel and its citizens for ‍their decision to recognize Somaliland, this will have a big influence on the economy and development of Somaliland." 

STRATEGIC LOCATION 

Somaliland, once a British protectorate, has long sought formal recognition as an independent state although it has signed bilateral agreements with various governments on investments and security coordination. 

Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland follows two years of strained ties with many of its closest partners over the war in Gaza and policies in the West Bank. 

Netanyahu has said Israel will pursue ⁠cooperation in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. Following his visit, Saar said "local professionals" from Somaliland's water sector would visit Israel in the coming months for training. 

Somaliland lies in northwestern Somalia, shares land borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti and sits across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, from where Iran-backed Houthis have launched missile and drones at Israel since October 2023, when the Gaza war began. 

Omar Mahmood, a Somalia analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank, said Israeli engagement was probably driven by Somaliland’s strategic location but that security coordination was possible without Israeli military installations there. 

Saar said on Tuesday that mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic ties was not directed at anyone. 

Somaliland has denied recognition allows for Israel to establish military bases there or for the resettlement ‌of Palestinians from Gaza. Israel has advocated for what Israeli officials describe as voluntary Palestinian migration from Gaza.  

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Arab World

Guarantees Demanded from Israel, Hezbollah over Proposed Int’l Force in South Lebanon

A photo taken from the southern Lebanese area of Marjeyoun, shows UNIFIL forces driving towards an Israeli army position in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Shouba on February 15, 2025. (AFP)
A photo taken from the southern Lebanese area of Marjeyoun, shows UNIFIL forces driving towards an Israeli army position in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Shouba on February 15, 2025. (AFP)
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Guarantees Demanded from Israel, Hezbollah over Proposed Int’l Force in South Lebanon

A photo taken from the southern Lebanese area of Marjeyoun, shows UNIFIL forces driving towards an Israeli army position in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Shouba on February 15, 2025. (AFP)
A photo taken from the southern Lebanese area of Marjeyoun, shows UNIFIL forces driving towards an Israeli army position in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Shouba on February 15, 2025. (AFP)

Countries being considered for a possible international mission to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), or as members in a verification mechanisms in proposed pilot zones in South Lebanon, are seeking security guarantees from both Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese sources familiar with discussions with European countries told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Continued Israeli attacks and military violations in the South are blocking progress on both tracks, the sources said.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed the post-UNIFIL phase with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a visit to Rome on Friday, including Italy’s readiness to participate in a verification mechanism in the pilot zones and provide military support to the Lebanese Army.

Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, who headed to Rome on Sunday, is continuing those discussions, focusing on technical and military details.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. (Lebanese presidency on X)

Security guarantees

Military sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Haykal’s agenda includes support for the army, preparations for the expiration of UNIFIL’s mandate at the end of this year, a proposed joint European force to replace it and a monitoring mechanism for the pilot zones.

The details are being discussed so they would be ready for implementation if political progress is made and obstacles are removed.

“Nothing is final at this point amid the Israeli escalation,” the sources said, referring to daily strikes and violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Protecting international personnel deployed in South Lebanon remains a key concern. Lebanese sources following the talks noted that countries being considered for any mission are demanding security guarantees for their personnel from both Israel and Hezbollah.

They are seeking Hezbollah’s prior approval for their participation and assurances that the party will not oppose their deployment. They also require Israel to halt attacks on Lebanese territory within their areas of operation.

“With the attacks continuing, there is no progress on any of the proposed files,” the sources underlined, adding that UNIFIL itself is struggling with the current military escalation in the South.

Israeli armored vehicles drive through the Wadi al-Slouki area, as seen from Chaqra village, in southern Lebanon, 21 August 2026. (EPA)

Italy seen as leading candidate

The proposed monitoring mechanism for the pilot zones also remains unresolved, with Israel objecting to the participation of some countries.

Italy appears the most likely candidate to secure approval from the United States, Lebanon and Israel, although no final decision has been made. Unlike France, Italy has not faced an Israeli veto, the sources remarked.

Military sources accused Israel of obstructing proposals for a verification mechanism because “it does not want anyone monitoring it,” citing human rights violations and other actions in the South that could be documented and potentially used against the Israeli military in the future.

Italy is considered the leading candidate to undertake the verification mission once political obstacles are removed, given its active role in several missions in Lebanon. Rome is also hosting US-sponsored Lebanese-Israeli negotiations.

Italy contributes 738 troops to UNIFIL, making it the mission’s largest European contingent. UNIFIL is also currently commanded by Italian Maj. Gen. Diodato Abagnara.

Italy also leads the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), an international body coordinating multinational military assistance to the Lebanese Army. The Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon (MIBIL) has also provided training to the Lebanese Army since 2015.

A photograph taken from the southern Lebanese area of Marjeyoun shows smoke as it rises from torched houses in the border village of Khiam on August 24, 2026. (AFP)

Israeli operations continue

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued to violate the ceasefire agreement in the South, carrying out major explosions in Kfar Tebnit, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Majdal Zoun and Khiam.

Israeli forces also carried out bulldozing and demolition work on the western outskirts of Mays al-Jabal, destroying a temporary school complex built and opened by the municipality after the latest war in cooperation with the Council for South Lebanon and the Jabal Amel Union of Municipalities.

Israeli troops also brought in a truck carrying explosives and began rigging several homes for demolition.

Airstrikes targeted the outskirts of Majdal Zoun in the Tyre district, Houla in the Bint Jbeil district, and areas around Deir Seryan-al-Qusayr and Dawhet Kfar Rumman in Nabatieh.

An Israeli armored force advanced toward an area between Hadatha and Haris, where bulldozers carried out operations.

Israeli forces positioned between Beaufort Castle and Kfar Tebnit, through the towns of Arnoun and Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh, opened heavy- and medium-machine-gun fire as several explosions were heard. Israeli artillery also struck the outskirts of Mayfadoun.

The escalation followed a night of airstrikes targeting Ali al-Taher hill, Dawhet Kfar Rumman and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, accompanied by intermittent artillery fire.

Arab World

China, Jordan Call for Maintaining US-Iran Ceasefire

China's President Xi Jinping, right, and King Abdullah II of Jordan shake hands after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. (Andres Martinez Casares/Pool Photo via AP)
China's President Xi Jinping, right, and King Abdullah II of Jordan shake hands after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. (Andres Martinez Casares/Pool Photo via AP)
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China, Jordan Call for Maintaining US-Iran Ceasefire

China's President Xi Jinping, right, and King Abdullah II of Jordan shake hands after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. (Andres Martinez Casares/Pool Photo via AP)
China's President Xi Jinping, right, and King Abdullah II of Jordan shake hands after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. (Andres Martinez Casares/Pool Photo via AP)

China and Jordan on Monday said the ceasefire between the US and Iran should be maintained, and that the normal passage through the Strait of ⁠Hormuz should be restored, ⁠the two countries said in a jointed statement, according to China's Xinhua ⁠news agency.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Jordan's King Abdullah in Beijing on Monday.

China and Jordan said "a comprehensive solution capable of eliminating the root causes" of regional tensions should be reached through dialogue and negotiations.

The two ⁠also expressed "deep ⁠concern over Israel's dangerous escalatory actions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem."

China's President Xi Jinping, left, and King Abdullah II of Jordan review the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. (Andres Martinez Casares/Pool Photo via AP)

Xi told King Abdullah that China values Jordan's "unique and important role in the region,” which was thrown into crisis after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28.

"China has always advocated for a comprehensive ceasefire (and) resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means," Xi said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

"(China) believes the sovereignty and security of regional countries including Jordan should be respected," Xi said.

The Chinese president also urged on Monday a "comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue,” the foreign ministry statement said.

China supports "promoting the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks anchored on the correct direction of the 'two-state solution'," Xi said.

The two sides also signed several agreements on diplomacy, trade and supply chains, China's foreign ministry said.

Arab World

Iraq Pushes Back Deadline for Factions to Disarm

This handout photograph taken and released by the Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office on August 19, 2026 shows Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (R) shaking hands with Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi before their meeting in Baghdad. (Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by the Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office on August 19, 2026 shows Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (R) shaking hands with Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi before their meeting in Baghdad. (Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office / AFP)
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Iraq Pushes Back Deadline for Factions to Disarm

This handout photograph taken and released by the Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office on August 19, 2026 shows Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (R) shaking hands with Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi before their meeting in Baghdad. (Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office / AFP)
This handout photograph taken and released by the Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office on August 19, 2026 shows Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (R) shaking hands with Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi before their meeting in Baghdad. (Iraq's Prime Minister Media Office / AFP)

A senior Iraqi official pushed back a September 30 deadline for pro-Iran factions to hand over their weapons, without offering an explanation for the move or providing a new date.

Iraq has come under pressure from the United States to rein in armed factions, particularly those close to Iran.

The US and Iran have been at war since February 28, drawing in other countries in the region as well as non-state groups backed by the Islamic republic.

For several months, Iraq's government has stood by its deadline, but on Sunday, the security adviser to the prime minister, Qasim al-Araji, told state media the process would only begin at the end of next month.

"September 30 is the date for the international coalition to depart, not the deadline to hand over weapons," Araji told the Al Iraqiya broadcaster, referring to the coalition of US-led forces.

Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi had made a similar announcement to local media on Friday, despite announcing in June that factions had until the end of September to disarm.

September 30, he said, was "the date for the international coalition to end its presence, not the deadline for armed factions... Perhaps people are confusing the two."

Since taking office in May, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged to ensure the armed factions that emerged in the years that followed the US-led invasion hand over their weapons to the state.

While some factions have in recent weeks said they would join state institutions, others, in particular those closer to Iran, are refusing.

"The situation is extremely complicated," a government official told AFP, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter.

"The government is insisting on closing the weapons file; but faction leaders are determined to hold onto their weapons because they believe disarming would serve Israel and the United States."

The most powerful armed factions in Iraq include Kataib Hezbollah, a part of Iran's so-called "Axis of Resistance" against the US and Israel.

Another Iraqi source told AFP that Iran views its proxies in the region, "especially in Iraq, as a source of strength it refuses to give up".