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Israel PM flies to Bahrain in first go to – Center East Monitor

Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, flew to Bahrain on Monday within the highest-level go to because the international locations established relations below a 2020 US-sponsored deal primarily based partially on shared worries about Iran, Reuters stories.

Bennett will meet with Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, his workplace mentioned.

“The leaders will talk about extra methods to strengthen bilateral ties … particularly the development of diplomatic and financial points, with an emphasis on know-how and innovation,” it mentioned in a press release.

The 2-day journey to Bahrain, dwelling to the US Navy’s Gulf headquarters, comes amid heightened tensions after missile assaults on the neighbouring United Arab Emirates by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. Israel additionally normalised ties with the UAE in 2020.

Talking to reporters earlier than take-off, Bennett mentioned he hoped the go to can be a “message of goodwill … and a shared stance towards frequent threats”.

READ: Bahrain confirms appointment of Israeli Navy officer

Israel has stepped up cooperation with the Gulf States. Manama hosted Israel’s Defence Minister on 2 February, and has mentioned an Israeli navy officer might be posted in Bahrain as a part of a world coalition.

The outreach by Bahrain’s Sunni Muslim monarch has been criticised by an opposition led by the Shia majority. The nation has seen protests in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Israel has provided to cooperate with its new Gulf companions on air defence, however has not specified whether or not this may embrace promoting the short-range rocket interceptor Iron Dome.

Such gross sales previously have been subjected to questions of whether or not the techniques can be safe and never be shared with Israel’s enemies. There has additionally been concern it will pose a business problem to US defence exports.

However a US official noticed no drawback in Washington, have been Israel to go forward with Iron Dome gross sales within the Gulf.

“There’s numerous curiosity in Iron Dome” within the area, mentioned the official, who couldn’t be recognized by identify.

READ: Bahrain buys Israel radars, anti-drone systems

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