Libyan rebels will recognise Israel, Bernard-Henri Lévy tells Netanyahu

By RFI


Bernard-Henri Lévy speaks at a rally
in support of
Iranian woman Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani



AFP/Boris Horvat

 Libya’s rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) is ready to recognise Israel, according to French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, who says he has passed the message on to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.


The NTC “will be concerned with justice for the Palestinians and security for Israel” it it takes power, Lévy said after meeting Netanyahu Thursday.

“The future regime will maintain normal relations with other democratic countries, including Israel.”

Netanyahu's office confirmed the meeting with Lévy but did not comment on the discussion. "The prime minister likes to meet intellectuals," a spokesperson said.

Lévy, who helped persuade France to be the first country to recognise the NTC, visited the rebel-held Libyan city of Misrata last weekend and went on to Jerusalem this week.

Two best friends: Moamer Kadhafi of Lybia and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia

Moamer Kadhafi’s regime refused to recognise Israel, even after Egypt’s President Anwar Sadat peace treaty with the country in 1979.