JERUSALEM (JTA) — A delegation of Israeli Arabs, including six Knesset members, is visiting Libya.
The 40-member delegation arrived in Libya on Libyan President Muammar Gadhafi’s private jet on Saturday for a two-day visit. In a meeting with Gadhafi on Sunday, the Libyan leader reportedly told the group, "We are not against Jews, but against Zionism."
The invitation to visit Libya was extended two weeks ago via the Libyan ambassador to Jordan, Muhammad Hassan al-Barghouti. Members of the delegation were not granted Libyan visas, nor did they travel on their Israeli passports; instead they used special entry permits issued by Libya, according to reports.
Israel and Libya do not have official diplomatic ties, but Israel has not declared Libya an enemy state. This is the first time Israeli lawmakers have visited Libya.
