Relationship dossier
Lebanon
Libya
Relationship assessment
The unresolved Musa al-Sadr case remains a major source of tension between Lebanon and Libya.
Lebanon toward Libya
-25Lebanese authorities have pursued an investigation into Musa al-Sadr’s 1978 disappearance in Libya and detained Hannibal Gaddafi in connection with the case. These actions have been a source of tension with Libya.
Libya toward Lebanon
-30Musa al-Sadr disappeared during a visit to Libya in 1978, and the case has remained a central dispute in Libya’s relations with Lebanon. Libyan authorities have called for Hannibal Gaddafi’s release from Lebanese custody.
Overall relationship
-25The unresolved disappearance of Musa al-Sadr has shaped the bilateral relationship for decades. The related detention of Hannibal Gaddafi has kept the dispute active, while the breadth of cooperation outside this issue is unclear.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Lebanon–Libya relations have been shaped by the 1978 disappearance of Lebanese cleric Musa al-Sadr during a visit to Libya. The case remains a major bilateral dispute. Lebanese authorities have also detained Hannibal Gaddafi in connection with the investigation, prompting Libyan calls for his release. The scope of other government cooperation is unclear.
Areas of tension
- The unresolved investigation into Musa al-Sadr’s disappearance in Libya.
- Lebanese detention of Hannibal Gaddafi in connection with the investigation.
Key developments
Musa al-Sadr disappeared during a visit to Libya, creating a long-running dispute between the two countries.
Lebanese authorities detained Hannibal Gaddafi in connection with the investigation into Musa al-Sadr’s disappearance.
Major uncertainties
- The investigation into Musa al-Sadr’s disappearance and its implications for bilateral relations remain unresolved.
- The extent of cooperation between the two governments beyond the al-Sadr case is unclear.