Protests erupted in Libya's Tripoli on August 28, 2023, following an informal meeting between the country's foreign minister and her Israeli counterpart. Photos: AFP
Libya's prime minister Sunday night suspended Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush from her role after the meeting with Israeli counterpart Eli Cohen sparked anger in the country, The Times of Israel reported.
Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibeh stated in a formal document released by his office that he had directed the formation of an investigating panel to look into Mangoush over the meeting, according to The Time of Israel.
Shortly after Israel released a press release announcing and applauding the sit-down, the nation's Foreign Ministry also quickly released a statement denying any formal meeting had occurred.
The unexpected turn of events led others to wonder if Israel had made Sunday's announcement without contacting Mangoush and Tripoli or if the Libyan government had abruptly changed its position on the issue in response to domestic uproar.
Additionally, it seemed to dispel the idea that the countries' relations had meaningfully improved, as suggested by the Israeli declaration.
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