Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks during a news conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on Jan 2, 2022. (EMIL SALMAN / POOL PHOTO VIA AP)
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will travel to Bahrain on Monday in the highest-level visit since the countries established relations under a 2020 US-sponsored deal.
Bennett will meet with Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, his office said.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will meet with Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa
"The leaders will discuss additional ways to strengthen bilateral ties…especially the advancement of diplomatic and economic issues, with an emphasis on technology and innovation," it said in a statement.
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The two-day trip to Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Gulf headquarters, comes amid heightened tensions after missile attacks on neighbouring United Arab Emirates by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. Israel also normalized ties with UAE in 2020.
Israel has stepped up cooperation with the Gulf states. Manama hosted Israel's defense minister on Feb 2 and has said an Israeli military officer will be posted in Bahrain as part of an international coalition.
On the commercial front, Israel has reported rising trade with Bahrain that reached $6.5 billion last year. There are direct flights between the countries.
The outreach by Bahrain's Sunni Muslim monarch has been criticized by an opposition led by the Shi’ite majority. The country has seen protests in solidarity with the Palestinians.
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