Ex-Libyan FM justifies controversial meeting with Israeli counterpart in 2023

Naula al-Mangoush, Libya’s former foreign minister (2021–2023), has defended her decision to meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Italy in 2023. Speaking on an Al Jazeera podcast, as reported by Middle East Eye, she clarified the purpose and context of the meeting.

“I do not think [the meeting] was wrong from a matter of principle,” Mangoush stated. “When the meeting with the Israeli side took place, it was not for the reasons that were shared by media outlets. The meeting was limited to specific topics and within a specific framework.”

The meeting, the first known diplomatic interaction of its kind between Libya and Israel, was contentious due to Libya's lack of formal recognition of Israel. Initially intended to be secret, Mangoush asserted that it had the approval of Libya’s Tripoli-based government, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.

However, the meeting's details were later disclosed by Cohen, with Israel framing it as a step towards normalizing relations. This revelation sparked widespread protests across Libya, where demonstrators expressed solidarity with Palestinians and rejected any normalization with Israel.

Following the controversy, Mangoush was dismissed from her position as foreign minister. Concerns for her safety led her to flee Libya, and she currently resides in London.

During the Al Jazeera interview, Mangoush criticized Dbeibeh’s handling of the crisis. “The issue would have been resolved simply if Dbeibeh had spoken directly, addressed the Libyan people, and revealed the truth,” she remarked.

Her comments reignited protests in Libya this week, with citizens reaffirming their opposition to any form of dialogue with Israeli officials.