Libya’s Grand Mufti accuses US and Israel of backing Saddam Haftar for leadership

Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Sadiq al-Ghariani, has accused the United States and Israel of seeking to install Saddam Haftar, son of eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar, as the country’s leader, warning that such a move could trigger armed conflict.

In statements published on his personal platforms, al-Ghariani alleged that Washington and Tel Aviv were supporting Saddam Haftar’s political ambitions as part of efforts presented as a solution to Libya’s prolonged political and institutional divisions.

The Grand Mufti pointed to reports of a possible meeting between Saddam Haftar and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi, describing the alleged encounter as an indication of efforts to secure international support for Haftar’s son.

Al-Ghariani claimed that Saddam Haftar possessed qualities sought by Washington and Tel Aviv in a potential Libyan leader, citing his alleged American citizenship and what he described as his willingness to advance US and Israeli interests.

He warned that attempts to impose Saddam Haftar as Libya’s ruler could lead the country into renewed armed conflict.

His remarks followed media reports suggesting that Netanyahu and Saddam Haftar may have met in the United Arab Emirates in late September as part of efforts by Haftar’s son to strengthen his international relationships and obtain political backing.

The reports drew partly on information published by the Italian newspaper Il Foglio concerning aircraft movements, alongside statements by a Libyan political analyst.

However, neither the reported meeting nor the allegations of US and Israeli support for Saddam Haftar’s leadership ambitions have been officially confirmed by the parties involved.