PIJ condemns Libya-'Israel' normalization meeting

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Aug 2023 23:36

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement swiftly condemns the talks between Libya and the Israeli occupation, seemingly aimed at the normalization of ties.

Masked members of the Palestinian Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad group marching during a rally along the street of Rafah refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, August 9, 2023 (AP)

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ) strongly denounced on Sunday a recent meeting between Israeli occupation Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart, Najla al-Mangoush.

The meeting, which took place in Rome under the auspices of the Italian Foreign Minister, marks a significant step toward normalization between Libya and the Israeli occupation.

The Islamic Jihad Movement's press statement condemned the meeting, framing it as a perilous departure from established regional principles and a direct threat to the Arab and Islamic identity of the area.

PIJ expressed confidence that the Libyan people reject such interactions, emphasizing their commitment to the Palestinian cause and aversion to political manipulation.

The Israeli-Libyan meeting, described by Israeli media as "historic," has drawn substantial attention and controversy.

The secretive encounter marks the first time foreign ministers from "Israel" and Libya have engaged in direct talks, opening the door for the Libyan government to shamefully join the group of normalizing Arab states.

The discussions are believed to have revolved around opportunities for collaboration and communication, with a particular emphasis on preserving the heritage of Libyan Jews, according to Cohen.

Cohen stated that the historic meeting was the first step in the relationship between the Israeli occupation and Libya. He emphasized that Libya's size and location give it significant importance and immense potential for "Israel".

"This meeting comes in the context of a series of similar meetings with representatives from countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with the aim of expanding the circle of peace and normalization with Israel," he added.

"I spoke with the foreign minister about the great potential for the two countries from their relations," Cohen said in a statement, "as well as the importance of preserving the heritage of Libyan Jewry, which includes renovating synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in the country."

The Libyan side has not yet officially confirmed the meeting. Observers speculate that the Libyan leadership's response could shed light on their willingness to engage in these discussions and potentially pave the way for future diplomatic efforts.

While the notion of a possible normalization between Libya and "Israel" is not entirely new, this recent development carries substantial weight, as it represents a blatant step towards dialogue between the two governments.

Libya remains a divided nation, with the Tripoli government led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh and the government of Osman Haftar operating in the eastern region, supported by the parliament and military commander Khalifa Haftar.