Protests erupt in Libya over contact with Israel

Libya’s foreign minister has been suspended by the country’s prime minister after the FM met informally with her Israeli counterpart. 

Libya does not recognise Israel and is a strong backer of the Palestinian cause. The meeting between the two has sparked protests in the majority Arab state. 

Israeli FM Eli Cohen said the meeting with Libya’s FM Najla al-Mangoush was a historic first step in establishing relations. 

Israel wants to build closer ties with Arab and Muslim-majority countries which do not officially recognise it.

But Libya’s presidential council, which represents its three provinces, said it was illegal to normalise relations with Israel. 

The Speaker’s Office in parliament has accused the FM of grand treason and the country’s PM Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has referred her for investigation.