Netanyahu Reportedly Met with Saddam Haftar in UAE

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly met with Saddam Haftar, son of Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar, during a visit to the United Arab Emirates, according to the Italian newspaper Il Foglio. The report, which has not been independently verified, suggests Haftar arrived in the UAE shortly after Netanyahu. This alleged encounter follows previous, unconfirmed contacts between Haftar's representatives and Israeli officials, including a 2021 report of one of Haftar's planes landing at Ben Gurion Airport.

Libya has been politically fractured since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, leading to a civil war and division between a Tripoli-based, internationally recognized government and an eastern administration supported by Khalifa Haftar's forces. The eastern camp receives backing from countries including the UAE, Egypt, Russia, and France, while Turkey and Qatar support the Tripoli government.

Previous Israeli engagement with Libyan officials has caused domestic political fallout. In 2023, a meeting between Libya's former foreign minister and her Israeli counterpart led to a scandal and her dismissal. Netanyahu's visit to the UAE, accompanied by his wife Sara, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional issues, according to his office. He met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and was joined by high-ranking security and intelligence officials, including the head of the Mossad. It remains unclear if the meeting with Saddam Haftar was part of his official itinerary.