Libyan Protests Ignite Amidst Israel Relations

Protests have erupted in Libya after the country's foreign minister, Najla al-Mangoush, met informally with her Israeli counterpart, Eli Cohen. Libya does not recognize Israel and supports the Palestinian cause. The meeting, described by Cohen as a historic first step in establishing relations, has led to the suspension of al-Mangoush by Libya's Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Israel has been seeking closer ties with Arab and Muslim-majority countries, including oil-rich Libya. The meeting has sparked controversy and protests in Tripoli and other cities, with demonstrators waving the Palestinian flag. The political division in Libya between the internationally recognized government in Tripoli and the rival government in the east could complicate any potential deal between Israel and Libya.