Israel Appoints First Ambassador to Somaliland

• Somaliland welcomed Israel's first ambassador, Michael Lotem, last week.
• The ambassador presented his credentials in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital.
• The event marked the formalization of Israel and Somaliland's mutual recognition from December.
• Somalia has questioned Israel's motives for deepening ties with Somaliland.
• The appointment comes amid ongoing conflict in Yemen and regional tensions.