Libyan Commander's Son Met Netanyahu in UAE, Report Claims

Saddam Haftar, son of Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the latter's visit to the United Arab Emirates, according to an Italian newspaper report. The report, published Tuesday by "Il Foglio," cites former Haftar political advisor Mohamed Buisir as claiming the meeting was to secure political support for Saddam Haftar's presidential ambitions in Libya.

Adding to the report's claims, flight tracking data indicated a government plane from Libya landed in Abu Dhabi shortly after Netanyahu's aircraft arrived. This alleged meeting follows previous reports of secret contacts between Saddam Haftar and Israeli entities. In 2021, Haaretz newspaper tracked one of his planes at Ben Gurion Airport, with reports at the time suggesting potential meetings with Mossad officials. Israel Hayom also reported in October 2021 on an alleged agreement between the Haftar family and an Israeli lobbying firm, mediated by the UAE.

"Il Foglio" further reported that Saddam Haftar has been actively seeking to bolster his international standing, particularly with American and international bodies. He is reportedly working with the U.S. consulting firm Ballard Partners and pursuing channels to communicate with senior U.S. administration officials. The newspaper also noted that Haftar met with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio in June and is expected to meet with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington.

The report suggests Haftar's objective is to establish himself as a leader with international connections and gain political backing as he aims to lead a unified Libya.