The Libyan Foreign Minister of the Parliament-designated government, Abdulhadi al-Hwaij, declared Libya’s rejection of pursuing peace agreements or normalization with Israel, reiterating its enduring support for the Palestinian cause, particularly the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
During an interview with the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Al-Hwaij articulated the eastern Libyan administration’s position, aligning with the broader consensus of the Arab League, the Islamic Cooperation Council, and the African Union. He emphasized Libya’s commitment to these principles by supporting South Africa’s initiative to bring a genocide case against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), showcasing its active role in international advocacy against normalization with Israel.
The backdrop to Al-Hwaij’s comments includes a recent scandal involving Najla Mangoush, the Foreign Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU). Mangoush was dismissed after the inadvertent disclosure of a covert meeting with Israel’s then-Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Rome, sparking controversy and debate within Libya and across the region.
Libya’s explicit refusal to normalize relations with Israel, as stated by Al-Hwaij, is indicative of the broader regional dynamics and the deeply rooted solidarity with the Palestinian cause among many Arab nations. This stance also reflects the internal complexities and divisions within Libya itself, stemming from the aftermath of the 2011 uprising that led to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi and the ensuing political fragmentation.
As Libya approaches its local elections amid these intricate political dynamics, the international community remains watchful of how internal divisions and firm foreign policy stances will influence its path towards stability, unity, and its role in the broader geopolitics of the region.
