Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Saar, arrived in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, on Tuesday for a high-level diplomatic visit, marking the first such engagement since Somaliland became the first country to recognize Israel's independence over a week ago. The visit has sparked both condemnation and concerns regarding the potential forced expulsion of Palestinians by Israel.

Saar was received by Somaliland government officials at the airport, according to a statement released by the Somaliland presidency. He was scheduled to meet with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, with footage of the two together circulating online.

Somalia's foreign ministry has condemned Saar's visit as an unauthorized incursion. The move by Somaliland to recognize Israel has been met with mixed reactions internationally, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, a self-declared independent state since 1991, has sought international recognition for decades, but it is still widely considered by the international community as an autonomous region of Somalia.

The recognition by Israel and the subsequent visit by its foreign minister represent a significant diplomatic development for Somaliland, which has been striving to establish itself as a viable and independent nation. However, the move has also raised concerns about regional stability and the potential implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Somaliland's strategic location on the Gulf of Aden has made it a focus of international interest, particularly in the context of maritime security and trade routes. The region has a history of political instability and conflict, and any shift in alliances or recognition can have far-reaching consequences.

The visit comes amid denials from Somaliland that it has agreed to host Israeli bases or resettle Palestinians, following claims made by the Somali president that the deal with Israel was tied to hosting Palestinians. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term implications of Israel's recognition of Somaliland are yet to be seen.