Libya suspends Foreign Minister after meeting with Israeli counterpart

(Patria) - Libyan Prime Minister suspended Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush on Sunday and launched an investigation after Israel said its Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met with her last week despite the countries not having formal relations.

The Israeli statement on the meeting, which said the ministers discussed potential cooperation, sparked small protests in Libya, which does not recognize Israel.

The Libyan Foreign Ministry stated that Mangoush refused to meet with Israeli representatives and that what happened was "an unprepared, accidental encounter during a meeting at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs".

The Libyan ministry's statement said the interaction did not involve "any discussions, agreements, or consultations" and added that the ministry "renews its complete and absolute rejection of normalization" with Israel.

Since 2020, Israel has moved to normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan through the so-called "Abraham Accords" mediated by the United States.

"I spoke with the Foreign Minister about the great potential for the two countries in their relations," said Israeli Cohen. The meeting was facilitated by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said, adding that potential cooperation and Israeli assistance in humanitarian issues, agriculture, and water management were discussed. Cohen said he spoke with Mangoush about the importance of preserving Jewish heritage in Libya.