Saddam Haftar, the second-in-command of Libya's eastern forces, has been on a diplomatic offensive, meeting with influential leaders in Washington and beyond. Following a June meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Haftar reportedly met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi. According to the Italian daily Il Foglio, Haftar is now seeking a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance. This development is part of a broader effort by Haftar's camp to translate military influence in Libya and the Sahel into political clout with the US administration.
Il Foglio reports that Haftar was in Abu Dhabi during Netanyahu's visit to the United Arab Emirates. An Airbus A319, frequently used by Haftar, arrived at Al Bateen airport around the same time as Netanyahu's plane. Mohamed Buisier, a former political advisor to Khalifa Haftar, confirms that Saddam Haftar met with Netanyahu to seek support for his political ambitions in Libya. Although neither the Israeli authorities nor Haftar's camp has publicly confirmed the meeting, it would not be the first reported contact between the Haftar family and Israel.
In November 2021, Haaretz revealed that Saddam Haftar had passed through Ben Gurion airport. The same year, Israel Hayom reported that one of Khalifa Haftar's sons had signed a contract with an Israeli political consulting firm for the Libyan electoral campaign. These interactions suggest a growing connection between the Haftar family and Israeli officials. The nature and implications of these contacts are not yet clear.
Haftar's efforts to build relationships with US officials are well-documented. A filing with the US Department of Justice in March 2026 shows that Ballard Partners represents the Libyan General Command of the Armed Forces. The document names Khalifa Haftar and Saddam Haftar as key contacts for the consulting firm. The contract, valued at $2 million, covers strategic advisory services, government relations, and representation before the US federal government.
In June, Saddam Haftar met with Marco Rubio in Washington, as confirmed by the US State Department. The meeting focused on unifying Libyan military institutions. Il Foglio now reports that a meeting with JD Vance is being arranged, although this has not been confirmed by the White House or Vance's office. The potential meeting could signal a further expansion of Haftar's diplomatic network in the US.
According to Il Foglio, Saddam Haftar is also seeking to establish a connection with Kimberly Guilfoyle, the US ambassador to Greece and former partner of Donald Trump Jr. This move may be linked to rivalries surrounding Waha Oil, a major Libyan oil field. The specifics of Haftar's strategy and the reactions of US and Israeli officials remain unclear.
The diplomatic efforts by Saddam Haftar reflect a broader shift in the influence dynamics of the Libyan conflict. By building relationships with high-profile leaders, Haftar's camp aims to bolster its political position and secure international support. The outcomes of these meetings and the implications for Libya's future remain to be seen.
Key points
- Saddam Haftar meets with Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi to seek support for his political ambitions in Libya.
- Haftar's camp pays $2 million to Ballard Partners for US lobbying and advisory services.
- Saddam Haftar seeks a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, amid efforts to expand his diplomatic network.
