Israel-Somaliland diplomacy: Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro/Cirro) received a lavish welcome in Jerusalem after Israel recognized Somaliland in late 2025, with both sides signing a cooperation deal covering security, trade, agriculture, water, and health. Direct flights for access: Irro told i24NEWS that direct Hargeisa–Tel Aviv flights will start “very soon,” aiming to cut travel hassles and improve access for visitors, business, and partners. Heart care link: Irro visited the Save a Child’s Heart Center in Holon, meeting nine Somaliland children undergoing treatment at Wolfson Medical Center, with eight recent successful heart surgeries highlighted. Future base question: In the same visit, Irro said he “could not rule out” the possibility of an Israeli military base on Somaliland soil, while Israel also denies base reports. Somalia health squeeze (regional context): CARE warned that hundreds of health facilities in Somalia have closed due to drought, rising prices, and funding cuts, leaving pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children without care.