Head of Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdul Hamid al-Dbeibeh rejected claims his government is pursuing normalization with Israel or preparing to host displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
Dbeibeh spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview days before the UN Security Council is set to discuss a new roadmap for ending the country’s political deadlock.
He also discussed elections, relations with foreign powers, and efforts to dismantle militias.
Below are excerpts of the interview:
Q: The UN envoy will soon present a roadmap for Libya. What is your position?
We held extensive discussions with the UN envoy Hanna Tetteh. She is working hard to produce a plan that leads to elections. We believe elections will renew legitimacy for the main political bodies, especially parliament, which must be the backbone of the next phase.
Q: The envoy has spoken of the need for a unified government before elections. Are you ready for that?
We made clear that the institutional confusion in Libya stems from parliament’s unilateral decisions. Ending this requires an elected legislature. This is a reality the international community understands well.
Q: Did Washington offer your government direct support during US adviser Massad Boulos’ visit to Tripoli?
Yes. The US expressed a clear commitment to supporting elections and to strengthening our partnership. We also discussed economic opportunities. Boulos reaffirmed his full support for these goals.
Q: Critics say your $60 billion investment plan is aimed at winning US backing.
That is not true. These are strategic investments in infrastructure, oil and energy designed to diversify Libya’s economy. They are not political bargaining chips.
Q: What about the military file — is unification of the army possible?
The hope is alive. But perhaps the most strategic moment for unifying the army will be after national elections under a strong civilian leadership.
Q: You launched a plan in May to dismantle militias. Why now?
It is a national project to rebuild the state, not a personal campaign. Militias grew stronger than state institutions in recent years. We did not create this reality, but we are working to change it by restructuring the defense and interior ministries.
Q: Do you have international backing for this plan?
Yes. Our regional and international partners see militias as a threat to security, migration control and cross-border crime.
Q: Some critics say many commanders in your forces once belonged to armed groups. Isn’t that a contradiction?
We offered fighters three paths, including integration into state institutions. Some former militia leaders are now serving as state officials. That is itself a model for others.
Q: Others accuse you of using the campaign to extend Misrata’s influence in Tripoli.
That is false propaganda. Our government includes leaders from across Libya. This is a national, not regional, project.
Q: Do you still support putting the 2017 draft constitution to a referendum?
Yes. The draft has strong legitimacy since its authors were elected by the people. A referendum is the fastest way to end the constitutional vacuum.
Q: And what about federalism as a solution?
Libya’s size and diversity require stronger decentralization, but whether through federalism or another system, it is for Libyans to decide in the constitution.
Q: How do you describe relations with Türkiye and Russia?
Our ties with Türkiye are excellent - political, economic, security and even personal. With Russia, relations are gradually improving. Our policy is openness to all partners based on shared interests.
Q: There has been speculation about normalization with Israel.
There is no desire or effort to normalize with Israel. This is a settled issue for Libyans.
Q: What about reports of hosting Palestinians from Gaza in Libya?
Completely false. Even the US embassy in Tripoli denied these claims. What is happening in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe that requires international action to protect Palestinians on their own land, not to displace them.
Q: Finally, will you run for president if elections are held?
For now, my focus is on strengthening the rule of law and paving the way for free and fair elections. As for running, the decision will depend on circumstances at the time.
Q: And if rivals such as Saif al-Islam Gaddafi or Khalifa Haftar compete?
Fair, enforceable election laws - not ones tailored to individuals - will determine who can run. Those laws must be completed quickly to let Libyans choose their leaders.
