Israel’s cabinet on Sunday confirmed the appointment of Yahel Vilan as Israel’s ambassador to Singapore and East Timor, as well as the appointment of Michael Lotem as Israel’s first-ever ambassador to Somaliland.
Vilan previously served as Israel’s ambassador to Kenya and Serbia, bringing extensive diplomatic experience to the role, and Lotem currently serves as a roving economic ambassador to Africa and has previously held ambassadorial posts in Kenya, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.
In the initial phase, Lotem will serve as a non-resident ambassador to Somaliland, reflecting the early stages of diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
The appointment marks a significant step following the establishment of official relations between Israel and Somaliland in December 2025. The move also follows a historic visit by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Somaliland in January, which signaled a warming of ties.
In February, Somaliland announced the appointment of Dr. Mohamed Haji as its first ambassador to Israel, further underscoring the growing bilateral relationship.
Approval process and diplomatic context
Prior to the cabinet’s approval, the appointments were reviewed and authorized by the ministerial committee for Foreign Service appointments, chaired by Sa’ar.
The Foreign Ministry said the new appointments are part of a broader effort to deepen Israel’s diplomatic reach and strengthen economic and political cooperation in emerging regions.
The expansion of diplomatic representation reflects Israel’s strategic interest in forging new alliances, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.