Bahrain normalizes ties with Israel weeks after UAE deal

September 11, 2020

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Bahrain has agreed to normalize ties with Israel, according to a joint statement with the United States.

Trump tweeted out the news after he spoke by phone to both Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.

According to the joint statement, Bahrain and Israel agreed to establish “full diplomatic relations” in a “historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East.”

“Opening direct dialogue and ties between these two dynamic societies and advanced economies will continue the positive transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security, and prosperity in the region,” it said.

Israel and Bahrain will “continue in their efforts in this regard to achieve a just, comprehensive, and enduring solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to enable the Palestinian people to realize their full potential.”

Trump’s announcement comes ahead of a Tuesday signing ceremony in Washington that will include delegations with Israel and the United Arab Emirates, led by Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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