Libyan Commander's Son Met Netanyahu in UAE, Italian Paper Reports

The deputy commander of the Libyan army, Saddam Haftar, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, according to a report by the Italian newspaper Il Foglio. Saddam Haftar is the son of Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army and the de facto ruler of eastern and southern Libya.

The report cites Muhammad Buysir, a former political advisor to Khalifa Haftar, who claims the meeting was intended to secure political support for Saddam Haftar's presidential candidacy in Libya. Buysir stated that Haftar sought Netanyahu's backing for his presidential bid.

Further details from the report suggest this is not the first time Saddam Haftar has engaged with Israeli figures. In 2021, Haftar's plane was tracked at Ben Gurion Airport, with reports at the time indicating a potential meeting with Mossad officials. Additionally, an Israeli newspaper reported in October 2021 on an agreement between the Haftar family and an Israeli lobbying and communications firm, mediated by the UAE.

Il Foglio also reported that Saddam Haftar has been actively working to strengthen his international standing, particularly with American and international entities. He is reportedly utilizing the services of the American consulting firm Ballard Partners and pursuing connections with senior U.S. administration officials. The newspaper notes that Haftar has previously met with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and is expected to meet with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Haftar's objective is to establish himself as an internationally connected leader and gain political support for his ambition to lead a unified Libya.