In a groundbreaking move, the Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers held a secret meeting in Italy last week, according to Israel's Foreign Ministry. This historic meeting between Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart, Najla Mangoush, signifies a significant breakthrough for Israel's government, which has faced criticism for its hard-line policies towards the Palestinians. The meeting, which took place in Rome and was hosted by Italy's foreign minister, discussed various topics.

🔴 NEWS: Despite lacking diplomatic ties, #Libya 🇱🇾 foreign minister and #Israel 🇮🇱 F.M held a meeting in #Italy 🇮🇹, last week.

🔸 Talks delved into historical connections, prospective cooperation, Israeli aid in humanitarian efforts, agriculture, and water management.

- Do… pic.twitter.com/LhyJIFMa2U

— Algerian Spy (@AlgerianSpy) August 27, 2023

Cohen highlighted the potential for improved relations between the two countries and emphasized the importance of preserving Libya's former Jewish community's heritage, including renovating synagogues and cemeteries. The talks also touched on possible Israeli assistance in areas such as humanitarian issues, agriculture, and water management. While there was no immediate comment from Libya regarding the meeting, the fact that it took place demonstrates a significant shift. Late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi was openly hostile towards Israel and a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, making this meeting a remarkable departure from the past. Libya has faced political turmoil since a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 resulted in Gadhafi's toppling and subsequent death.

The country has been divided between rival governments in Benghazi and Tripoli, with the United Nations working towards facilitating new elections. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, who leads the Tripoli government, enjoys close ties with Italy and the West. The meeting between the Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers comes in the wake of the Abraham Accords brokered by former President Donald Trump. This series of diplomatic agreements aimed to normalize ties between Israel and four Arab countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been eager to strengthen ties with the Arab world, although his government has faced criticism for its stance on West Bank settlement construction and military operations in the occupied territory. Overall, the meeting between the Israeli and Libyan foreign ministers signals a positive step towards increased cooperation and dialogue between the two nations. It opens new possibilities for enhancing relations and addressing various areas of mutual interest, such as cultural preservation, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development.