Following Libya uproar, Israel premier orders consent before publicizing covert meetings

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday ordered his ministers to get approval from his office before publicizing secret diplomatic meetings.

The move came two days after the controversial first-ever meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart Najla Al-Mangoush, held in Rome last week, made headlines.

The meeting triggered a storm of anger and protests in Libya, with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh sacking Mangoush.

According to Israeli public broadcaster KAN, Netanyahu’s new directive requires his Cabinet ministers to get a green light from his office before publicizing any covert diplomatic meetings.

KAN did not specify whether Netanyahu was aware about the secret meeting between the Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers being publicized.

On Sunday, Cohen said the meeting with his Libyan counterpart explored the possibilities for cooperation and relations between the countries and the preservation of the heritage of Libyan Jews.

But the Libyan Foreign Ministry said the meeting was “informal” and “impromptu” and did not involve any discussion, agreement, or consultation.

However, Yedioth Ahronoth daily, citing unnamed Israeli officials, said the meeting was “coordinated at the highest level” between the two countries and took place with Netanyahu’s knowledge.

Libya does not recognize Israel and does not have diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv. It is forbidden by law to have relations with Israel.

Six Arab countries have established diplomatic ties with Israel, starting with Egypt in 1979, Jordan in 1994, and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco in 2020.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar