Historic Meeting Libya–Israel: Riots In Tripoli And Removal Of Minister

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen met with Libyan Foreign Minister Najla El Mangoush. According to Cohen himself, the meeting took place in Rome and “became the first in history between the ministers of the two countries. Its purpose was to consider the possibility of cooperation and relations between countries and the preservation of the heritage of Libyan Jewry.”

“The strategic size and location of Libya give its ties great importance and great potential for the State of Israel,” explained the Israeli minister, according to the Italian news agency ANSA. “I spoke with the Foreign Minister about the great potential of our relationship for both countries and about the importance of preserving the Libyan Jewish heritage, including the reconstruction of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in the country.”

However, this news was not appreciated in Tripoli, where protest movements erupted, with burning Israeli flags and calls for Mangoush resignation.

As a result, she was removed from office by the decision of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, and an investigation was launched. She has served as Foreign Minister of the Government of Libyan National Unity since 2021. Youth Minister Fathallah Abdullatif al-Zini will head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation until the commission that was set up to investigate the “secret meeting” gives its opinion.