Muammar Gaddafi on Palestine
TL;DR
Muammar Gaddafi strongly opposed the state of Israel, advocating instead for a unified, democratic Palestinian-Jewish state called Isratine.
Key Points
In a 2007 speech, he publicly advocated for establishing one democratic state for both Jews and Palestinians, which he suggested be called Isratine.
He funded militant Palestinian groups, including the Black September Organization, which was responsible for the 1972 Munich massacre of Israeli athletes.
He advised the Palestine Liberation Organization leadership to 'commit suicide rather than accept shame' when a political settlement regarding the 1982 Beirut evacuation was possible.
Summary
Muammar Gaddafi was a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, often using it to legitimize his rule and gain regional influence, viewing Zionism as an extension of imperialism against Arab nations. His core position was the rejection of Israel’s existence, consistently calling for its destruction or replacement with a single democratic state encompassing all of historic Palestine, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. This stance manifested in various forms over his rule, including military support for groups fighting Israel and financing Palestinian employees striking against the Israeli Civil Administration in the West Bank and Gaza in the late 1980s.
His position evolved from aligning with Arab nationalism and supporting military struggle to briefly exploring a one-state solution, which he proposed as a democratic state called Isratine. However, his commitment was often tactical; he also strained relations with the Palestine Liberation Organization leadership, viewing them as too moderate and even expelling thousands of Palestinians from Libya in 1995 for not aligning with his policies. Despite periods of softened rhetoric aimed at improving international standing, his fundamental opposition to Israel’s structure remained a constant theme in his foreign policy until his overthrow.
Key Quotes
When I was five, my brother was shot by an Israeli soldier – since then, I have been dedicated to uniting the Arab countries throughout the Middle East and retain a trade flow with the west.
Palestine: Gaddafi called for a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, saying Jews and Palestinians should live in a unified democratic state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Muammar Gaddafi's core stance was strong opposition to the state of Israel, which he viewed as an illegitimate entity resulting from imperialism. According to historical records, he often argued that the only solution was a unified, democratic state where Palestinians and Jews could coexist, sometimes referring to it as Isratine.
No, Muammar Gaddafi actively opposed major peace agreements like the Oslo Accords and the Gaza–Jericho Agreement, viewing them as betrayals of the Arab nation. He believed such settlements undermined the goal of Palestinian self-determination, and he punished the Palestine Liberation Organization under Arafat for pursuing them.
Yes, Muammar Gaddafi’s position shifted over the decades, evolving from strong military support to a proposal for a one-state solution, and at times softening rhetoric to improve Libya’s standing with the West. However, his fundamental rejection of Israel’s existence remained constant throughout his rule.
Sources5
Israel–Libya relations - Wikipedia
The Tragedy of the Palestinians in Libya | Interactive Encyclopedia of the Palestine Question – palquest
Rare audio of Nasser and Gaddafi sparks debate over Palestine, Arab unity
Muammar Gaddafi in his own words
Gaddafi attacks major powers
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.