Libya’s government suspended Foreign Minister Najla al-Mangoush after Israel disclosed on Sunday a meeting between her and Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen. A committee chaired by the justice minister will conduct an administrative investigation into the suspension. Protests erupted in reaction to the announcement in the North African country, reported international media.
According to the Libyan Foreign Ministry, the meeting was a “chance and unofficial encounter.” The said meeting took place in Rome and was hosted by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
According to the Israeli statement, it is the first diplomatic initiative of its kind between the two countries. “I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for the two countries from their relations,” Cohen said in the Israeli foreign ministry statement.
Libya’s Prime Minister emphasized Libya’s stance on the Palestinian cause, stating that Mangoush refused to meet with Israeli entities and remained firm on this position. He stressed that the encounter in Rome was an “unofficial” one.
According to an Israeli statement, Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers discussed preserving the heritage of Libyan Judaism by rebuilding synagogues and Jewish cemeteries, as a first step in improving relations between Israel and Libya.
Libya’s strategic position and size, according to Eli Cohen, present a huge opportunity for Israel in the region. Like other North African countries, Libya has a long and rich Jewish heritage, but during the rule of former leader Muammer Gaddafi, thousands of Jews were expelled from Libya.
Protesters in Tripoli demanded Mangoush’s resignation, marched to Foreign Ministry, and attempted to break into the ministry, while waving Palestinian flags.