US Sparks Outrage for Comparing Israel's Somaliland Recognition to Global Recognition of Palestine

The United States has drawn widespread criticism for defending Israel's right to recognize the breakaway territory of Somaliland, comparing it to the international recognition of a Palestinian state. Tammy Bruce, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, stated during an emergency Security Council meeting that Israel has the 'same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state.' She criticized what she called 'double standards,' pointing out that several countries and UN Security Council members have recognized Palestine without similar backlash. The remarks came after Israel's announcement on Friday to officially recognize Somaliland, a move condemned by organizations like the African Union, Arab League, and European Union, as well as nations like Türkiye and China, which reaffirmed Somalia's sovereignty. Slovenian ambassador Samuel Zbogar rejected the comparison, emphasizing that Palestine is 'illegally occupied territory,' unlike Somaliland, which remains part of a UN member state. Somalia's ambassador Abukar Osman condemned Israel's move as an 'act of aggression' aimed at fragmenting Somalia. Türkiye's envoy Ahmet Yildiz called the recognition a 'serious violation of international law.' Pakistan hinted that Israel's move could be linked to the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, while other nations voiced support for Somalia's territorial unity. Israel's representative Jonathan Miller argued that the recognition was 'not hostile' and could 'strengthen stability.' Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has struggled to gain global recognition until now.