Libyan-GNU Foreign Ministry Denies Formal Talks Following Unofficial Meeting with Israeli Counterpart
The Libyan Government of National Unity, represented by its Foreign Ministry, described a recent encounter between Minister Necla al-Manqush and Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Italy as accidental and unofficial. The ministry stated that no formal discussions, arrangements, or negotiations emerged from the meeting, and that it should not be interpreted as a step toward normalizing ties with Israel. The clarification was issued in connection with coverage from RIA News that framed the encounter as part of a broader diplomatic moment but without any official bearing on bilateral policy.
Earlier, a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the two foreign ministers met in Italy for the first time, signaling a possible avenue for future cooperation and addressing cultural and historical concerns related to Libyan Jewry. This development prompted vigorous scrutiny from Libya’s Presidential Council, which convened in Tripoli seeking an explanation for the meeting and its implications for Libya’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. The Libyan side reaffirmed its policy position, reiterating that no shift toward normalization was intended and emphasizing adherence to established foreign policy principles.
In the wake of the reports about the Italian encounter, protests erupted across several Libyan cities. Demonstrators called for accountability from the GNU Foreign Minister and urged a careful examination of how such interactions align with Libya’s declared policy on regional relations and Palestinian statehood. Public voices reflected a mix of concern about international engagement and an insistence on safeguarding Libya’s sovereignty and long-standing commitments in the Arab world.
Historically, Libya has not maintained formal diplomatic relations with Israel. During the era of Muammar Gaddafi, the country aligned with the Arab boycott movement and consistently opposed Israel in international forums. The Libyan Jewish community, once sizable, largely left the country in the mid-20th century, with many members making aliyah to Israel following the founding of the Israeli state in 1948. The current political discourse in Libya continues to grapple with the legacies of the past, the management of minority histories, and the broader regional framework that shapes security and diplomacy in North Africa and the Middle East.
The broader regional context remains complex, with Libyan authorities balancing national interests, domestic public sentiment, and a regional landscape in which former rivalries and new dialogues converge. Observers suggest that any future conversations will be measured by how they align with officially stated positions, the conduct of state actors, and the capacity to foster stability without compromising core principles. The incident has underscored the sensitivity with which such meetings are treated and the importance of clear, authoritative disclosures to prevent misinterpretations on both sides.