The encounter that confused Israel

On Israeli TV Channel 12 news, it was claimed that the disclosure of the Cohen-Mengush meeting damaged Israel’s credibility and that ministry officials held Minister Cohen responsible for this situation.

“A battle is brewing within the State Department over who is responsible for the diplomatic crisis that arose after it was announced that Minister Eli Cohen had met his Libyan counterpart,” the report said. The expression was used.

THE MINISTER IS RESPONSIBLE

It was reported in the news that ministry officials hold Minister Cohen responsible for the announcement of the meeting with Menguş.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry official, whose name was not disclosed in the news, said: “What will countries that want to approach us think? Can Israel’s secret be trusted? This is a violation of the basic rules of diplomacy.” what he said stuck on record.

“We are in a terrible dilemma, the credibility of the State of Israel has been seriously damaged,” the official said. he said to have spoken.

MENGUŞ MEETS WITH THE ISRAEL FOREIGN MINISTER IN ITALY

In a written statement made yesterday by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that “a historic meeting was held between the Foreign Ministers of Israel and Libya.”

Describing the meeting as “historic”, the statement noted that Foreign Minister Cohen met last week with his Libyan counterpart Menguş in Rome, the capital of Italy, with the aim of “examining the possibilities of cooperation and relations between Both countries”. “.

Noting that the meeting was the “first meeting” between the foreign ministers of the two countries, the statement said: “At the meeting, the ministers discussed the historical ties between the two nations, the legacy of Libyan Jews, the possibility of “Cooperation between countries, Israel’s humanitarian issues, agriculture, water management and many more. He discussed the help he could give in the matter.” Expressions were used.

Prime Minister Dibeybe had decided to dismiss Foreign Minister Mengush due to his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen.

In the decree announced by the government it is stated that “Mengush has been suspended and it has been decided to open an investigation”, and it is announced that the Minister of Youth, Fethullah ez-Zeni, will act as Minister of Foreign Affairs. vacated by Menguş.

LIBYA DOES NOT KNOW ISRAEL

Libya, a North African country, does not recognize Israel and does not have diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv. “You can go to all countries except the occupied Palestinian territories (Israel)” according to his Libyan passport. has a note In addition, establishing relations with Israel is prohibited by law and subject to criminal sanctions.

In the first article of the law in Libya, known as the “Boycott Israel Law” No. 62 of 1957, “real or legal persons are prohibited from entering into agreements with persons or institutions in Israel and their employees.” Statement is included.

Article 7 of the Law establishes that those who violate it will be sentenced to a custodial sentence of not less than three years nor more than ten years. (AA)