Bahrain to normalize relations with Israel

Just weeks after Israel and the United Allied Emirates (UAE) normalized relationships, a joint statement by the United States and Bahrain announced that Israel will be normalizing ties with Bahrain.

They will enter direct dialogue and establish full diplomatic relations.

US President Trump makes the announcement

A recent article reports: "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." The Tweet was on Friday. Trump claimed that a signing ceremony will take place involving Bahrain, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, said the agreement represented a new era of peace.

The joint statement said in part: "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.

A recent article reports on a recent visit of Bahrain's King Hamid to an airbase in Bahrain: "HM the King welcomed the progressive long-term strategic cooperation between the two countries as partners to maintain the Gulf security, fight against terrorism and protecting navigation and trade routes. HM the King said the Bahraini-US cooperation have gained more significance due to the current regional developments, commending the longstanding bilateral relations and both countries’ interest in further developing the same in various fields. "

Process started after Israel UAE peace deal

In August, the Abraham Accord a peace deal between Israel and the UAE was signed. However, the deal had somewhat of a rocky start. The UAE claimed the deal allowed them to buy F-35 warplanes from the US but Israel has tried to block this.

There is not likely to be a similar issue with the Bahrain deal with Bahrain as the country is much smaller. The US has already been trying to sell F-35s to them. However, sinc Bahrain's armed forces are much smaller Israel is unlikely to see the F-35s as a threat to their security.

Bahrain deal may be prelude to a Saudi Israeli deal

Bahrain is quite close to Saudi Arabia. The deal with Israel may help foster talks between Israel and the Saudis. Unless such a deal is coming in the future, Bahrain would not likely to have reached the present deal with Israel.