Fury Erupts in Libya After Secret Meeting Between Former Foreign Minister and israeli Official

Tripoli, Libya – Anger and outrage have engulfed Libya following the revelation of a clandestine meeting between Najla al-Mankoush, the suspended foreign minister of the outgoing national unity government, and former Israeli foreign minister eli Cohen. Protests have ignited across major cities, with demonstrators demanding the downfall of the government and the prosecution of al-Mankoush.

The controversy stems from a meeting that took place in Rome in 2023. Al-Mankoush, in a recent media interview, confirmed the meeting but insisted she was merely delivering a message arranged by the Libyan government. “I was not a party to the arrangement,” al-Mankoush stated.”The government arranged it and I delivered the message.”

However, her description failed to quell the fury. Hundreds took to the streets, chanting anti-normalization slogans and demanding Prime Minister Abdel Hamid al-Dabaiba’s resignation.

[Image: Protesters in Tripoli holding signs denouncing the meeting and calling for the government’s removal]

The protests were notably intense in Tripoli, where demonstrators gathered outside Prime Minister al-Dabaiba’s office on Shut Road. Similar scenes unfolded in Misrata, Bani Walid, Sabratha, and other cities across Libya.

Political parties and civil society groups have also condemned the meeting, with the Libyan Alliance of National Accord Parties labeling it a “heinous crime.” The attorney general has called for those involved to be held accountable.This incident has reignited the debate over normalization with Israel in Libya, a deeply sensitive issue in the Arab world. The protests highlight the strong public opposition to any form of engagement with Israel and underscore the fragility of the Libyan government’s position.

The future of al-Dabaiba’s government hangs in the balance as the protests continue. The incident has exposed deep divisions within libyan society and raised serious questions about the government’s legitimacy.

why are Libyans So Angry?

The meeting between al-Mankoush and Cohen has struck a nerve in Libya, a country with a complex history and deep-seated animosity towards Israel.

Many Libyans view any engagement with Israel as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and a violation of Arab solidarity. The secrecy surrounding the meeting has further fueled anger, with many feeling deceived by their government.

The protests are a stark reminder of the sensitivity surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the strong emotions it evokes in the Arab world. They also highlight the fragility of the Libyan government, which is struggling to maintain stability in a country still recovering from years of conflict.

The outcome of this crisis remains uncertain. The Libyan government is facing immense pressure to address the public’s anger and restore trust. Failure to do so could lead to further instability and potentially threaten the fragile peace in the country.

Fury in Libya: Unveiling the Anger Behind the Secret Meeting

A Conversation

Omar: Salam,Nadia. did you hear about the chaos unfolding in Libya?

Nadia: Salam,Omar. I saw some headlines about protests but haven’t delved into the details. What’s happening?

Omar: it’s a huge controversy. The suspended foreign minister of the Libyan government, Najla al-Mankoush, met secretly with the former israeli foreign minister, Eli Cohen, in Rome.

Nadia: Wow, that’s a big deal! Why the secrecy, and what triggered these protests?

Omar: Apparently, al-Mankoush claims she was just relaying a message arranged by the Libyan government. But the public isn’t buying it. The meeting itself is being viewed as a betrayal,especially since Libya has a deeply elaborate history with Israel.

Nadia: I understand. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is sensitive everywhere,but especially in the Arab world. What are people saying? What do they want?

Omar: Protesters are demanding the downfall of the government. They’re chanting anti-normalization slogans,calling for al-Mankoush to be prosecuted. Even political parties are condemning the meeting and calling it a “heinous crime.”