Saddam Haftar Reportedly Met Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi Seeking Israeli Support

Saddam Haftar, the son of Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar and considered his number two, allegedly met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi during Netanyahu's recent visit to the United Arab Emirates. The report, citing Italian newspaper Il Foglio, suggests the meeting aimed to secure Israeli political backing for Saddam Haftar's presidential ambitions in Libya. Khalifa Haftar currently controls eastern and southern Libya.

Flight tracking data reportedly shows a Libyan government plane landing in Abu Dhabi shortly after Netanyahu's arrival, adding credence to the alleged encounter. According to Mohamed Buisier, a former political advisor to Khalifa Haftar and a source for Il Foglio, the meeting was intended to garner Israeli support for Saddam Haftar's presidential bid.

This alleged meeting is not the first reported contact between Saddam Haftar and Israel. In 2021, one of his aircraft was reportedly spotted at Ben Gurion Airport, with speculation that he was meeting with Mossad representatives. Later that year, Israel Hayom reported an agreement between the Haftar family and an Israeli lobbying and communications firm, mediated by the UAE.

In recent months, Saddam Haftar has also reportedly been strengthening ties with the United States and other international players. He is said to be working with the American consulting firm Ballard Partners to expand his Washington contacts. Sources told Il Foglio that he is expected to meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance soon, following discussions in June with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This diplomatic push appears designed to bolster Saddam Haftar's international standing and secure support for his goal of leading a unified Libya.