Netanyahu Reportedly Held Secret Meeting with Haftar in UAE

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have held a secret meeting with Saddam Haftar, son of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar, during his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates. The report, published by the Italian outlet Il Foglio, suggests Haftar's plane arrived in the UAE approximately 20 minutes after Netanyahu's aircraft landed. This alleged meeting has not been independently confirmed by other sources.

Saddam Haftar, whose father controls eastern Libya, has had previous contacts with Israeli officials. In 2021, there were reports of one of Haftar's planes landing at Ben Gurion Airport. Notably, in 2023, former Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen confirmed a meeting with Libya's then-Foreign Minister, who represented a political faction opposing Khalifa Haftar's forces. This Libyan minister was later dismissed from her position.

Khalifa Haftar has maintained control over eastern Libya for over a decade. Libya has been in a political crisis and civil war since 2011, following the overthrow and death of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who had ruled for 42 years. The initial hopes for democratic reform after Gaddafi's fall have devolved into a prolonged conflict, with the country divided among various armed groups, some linked to terrorist organizations.

Netanyahu's visit to the UAE was unannounced. He reportedly flew to Abu Dhabi on a private jet on Sunday, September 27, for a closed-door meeting with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed.