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==History==
==History==
{{expand section|1=relations from 1971 to 1994|date=May 2012}}
{{expand section|1=relations from 1971 to 1994|date=May 2012}}
The first ever official Israeli delegation to visit Bahrain was in late September 1994.<ref>The Middle East and North Africa, Europa Publications Limited</ref> [[Yossi Sarid]], Israel's [[Ministry of Environmental Protection (Israel)|Minister for the Environment]], took part in regional discussions on environmental issues and met with Bahrain’s foreign minister.<ref>http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.693264</ref>
The first ever official Israeli delegation to visit Bahrain was in late September 1994.<ref>The Middle East and North Africa, Europa Publications Limited</ref> [[Yossi Sarid]], Israel's [[Ministry of Environmental Protection (Israel)|Minister for the Environment]], took part in regional discussions on environmental issues and met with Bahrain’s foreign minister.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-when-bahrain-once-welcomed-israelis-1.5380610|title=When Bahrain once welcomed Israelis|website=Haaretz.com}}</ref>


In October 2007, Bahrain Foreign Minister [[Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa|Khalid Alkhalifa]] held a meeting with the [[American Jewish Committee]] where he said "Palestinian refugees should return to Palestine". In the same month during the [[UN General Assembly|General Assembly of the UN]], he met with then-[[Foreign Minister of Bahrain|Foreign Minister]] [[Tzipi Livni]] drawing heavy criticism from the Bahraini parliament.<ref name="Haaretz 20.2.2011">{{cite news | author=Barak Ravid | title = WikiLeaks: Bahrain FM planned to meet Israeli officials in support of peace process | date=20 February 2011 | publisher=[[Haaretz]] | url = http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/wikileaks-bahrain-fm-planned-to-meet-israeli-officials-in-support-of-peace-process-1.344488 | accessdate=18 March 2012}}</ref>
In October 2007, Bahrain Foreign Minister [[Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa|Khalid Alkhalifa]] held a meeting with the [[American Jewish Committee]] where he said "Palestinian refugees should return to Palestine". In the same month during the [[UN General Assembly|General Assembly of the UN]], he met with then-[[Foreign Minister of Bahrain|Foreign Minister]] [[Tzipi Livni]] drawing heavy criticism from the Bahraini parliament.<ref name="Haaretz 20.2.2011">{{cite news | author=Barak Ravid | title = WikiLeaks: Bahrain FM planned to meet Israeli officials in support of peace process | date=20 February 2011 | publisher=[[Haaretz]] | url = http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/wikileaks-bahrain-fm-planned-to-meet-israeli-officials-in-support-of-peace-process-1.344488 | accessdate=18 March 2012}}</ref>
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Following a video of a ceremony to mark the Jewish [[Hanukkah]] holiday hosted by Bahrain that went viral in 2016, [[Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah]], during an event hosted by Simon Wiesenthal Center on September 18, 2017 in [[Los Angeles]], denounced the [[Arab League boycott of Israel]] and began normalizing relations following Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]'s announcement of normalizing relations with the Arab world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/09/18/535530/Bahrain-king-Israel-friend|title=Bahrain’s king denounces boycott of Israel, says citizens free to visit Israel|website=presstv.com|date=18 September 2017}}</ref> In effect, it allows Bahraini citizens to visit Israel whenever its necessary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Bahrain-king-denounces-Arab-boycott-of-Israel-says-countrymen-may-visit-505308|title=Bahrain king denounces Arab boycott of Israel, says countrymen may visit|website=jpost.com|date=17 September 2017}}</ref> If the two countries begin establishing diplomatic relations, Bahrain would be the fourth Arab country and the second [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Arab country in the Persian Gulf region]] to grant recognition to the State of Israel (the others being [[Egypt]] in 1979, [[Jordan]] in 1994 and the [[United Arab Emirates]] in 2020; the [[Palestinian National Authority]] [[Oslo Accords|in 1993]] also recognized Israel).
Following a video of a ceremony to mark the Jewish [[Hanukkah]] holiday hosted by Bahrain that went viral in 2016, [[Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah]], during an event hosted by Simon Wiesenthal Center on September 18, 2017 in [[Los Angeles]], denounced the [[Arab League boycott of Israel]] and began normalizing relations following Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]]'s announcement of normalizing relations with the Arab world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2017/09/18/535530/Bahrain-king-Israel-friend|title=Bahrain’s king denounces boycott of Israel, says citizens free to visit Israel|website=presstv.com|date=18 September 2017}}</ref> In effect, it allows Bahraini citizens to visit Israel whenever its necessary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Bahrain-king-denounces-Arab-boycott-of-Israel-says-countrymen-may-visit-505308|title=Bahrain king denounces Arab boycott of Israel, says countrymen may visit|website=jpost.com|date=17 September 2017}}</ref> If the two countries begin establishing diplomatic relations, Bahrain would be the fourth Arab country and the second [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Arab country in the Persian Gulf region]] to grant recognition to the State of Israel (the others being [[Egypt]] in 1979, [[Jordan]] in 1994 and the [[United Arab Emirates]] in 2020; the [[Palestinian National Authority]] [[Oslo Accords|in 1993]] also recognized Israel).


In May 2018, Bahrain recognized Israel's right to exist. This was reportedly mainly due to tensions with [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pjmedia.com/trending/bahrain-diplomat-just-said-israel-has-a-right-to-defend-itself-against-iran/|title=Bahrain Sides With Israel Against Iran|website=pjmedia.com|date=10 May 2018}}</ref> This was refuted by Manama authorities as the country remains committed to the [[Arab Peace Initiative]].<ref>https://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-denies-israel-relations-reports-1.2240081</ref>
In May 2018, Bahrain recognized Israel's right to exist. This was reportedly mainly due to tensions with [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pjmedia.com/trending/bahrain-diplomat-just-said-israel-has-a-right-to-defend-itself-against-iran/|title=Bahrain Sides With Israel Against Iran|website=pjmedia.com|date=10 May 2018}}</ref> This was refuted by Manama authorities as the country remains committed to the [[Arab Peace Initiative]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/bahrain/bahrain-denies-israel-relations-reports-1.2240081|title=Bahrain denies Israel relations reports|website=gulfnews.com}}</ref>


In June 2019, six Israeli media outlets received formal invitations to cover the Israeli-Palestinian economic peace workshop in Bahrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-economic-peace-summit-being-an-israeli-in-bahrain-feels-almost-normal/|title=At economic peace summit, being an Israeli in Bahrain feels almost normal|website=The Times of Israel|date=26 June 2019}}</ref> In July 2019, Foreign Minister of Bahrain, [[Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa]], and his Israeli counterpart, [[Israel Katz]], met in United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-long-wait-some-israeli-news-outlets-okayed-to-cover-bahrain-summit/|title=After long wait, some Israeli news outlets okayed to cover Bahrain summit|last=Ahren|first=Raphael|website=www.timesofisrael.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref> In October 2019, an Israeli official, Dana Benvenisti-Gabay, attended the "Working Group on Maritime and Aviation Security" in Manama, Bahrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-rare-formal-visit-israeli-official-attends-anti-iran-bahrain-conference/|title=In rare formal visit, Israeli official attends anti-Iran conference in Bahrain|website=The Times of Israel|date=21 October 2019}}</ref> In December 2019, Jerusalem chief rabbi, [[Shlomo Amar]], visited Bahrain for an interfaith event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-chief-rabbi-visits-bahrain-for-interfaith-event/|title=Jerusalem chief rabbi visits Bahrain for interfaith event, meets king|website=The Times of Israel|date=10 December 2019}}</ref>
In June 2019, six Israeli media outlets received formal invitations to cover the Israeli-Palestinian economic peace workshop in Bahrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-economic-peace-summit-being-an-israeli-in-bahrain-feels-almost-normal/|title=At economic peace summit, being an Israeli in Bahrain feels almost normal|website=The Times of Israel|date=26 June 2019}}</ref> In July 2019, Foreign Minister of Bahrain, [[Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa]], and his Israeli counterpart, [[Israel Katz]], met in United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-long-wait-some-israeli-news-outlets-okayed-to-cover-bahrain-summit/|title=After long wait, some Israeli news outlets okayed to cover Bahrain summit|last=Ahren|first=Raphael|website=www.timesofisrael.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref> In October 2019, an Israeli official, Dana Benvenisti-Gabay, attended the "Working Group on Maritime and Aviation Security" in Manama, Bahrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-rare-formal-visit-israeli-official-attends-anti-iran-bahrain-conference/|title=In rare formal visit, Israeli official attends anti-Iran conference in Bahrain|website=The Times of Israel|date=21 October 2019}}</ref> In December 2019, Jerusalem chief rabbi, [[Shlomo Amar]], visited Bahrain for an interfaith event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-chief-rabbi-visits-bahrain-for-interfaith-event/|title=Jerusalem chief rabbi visits Bahrain for interfaith event, meets king|website=The Times of Israel|date=10 December 2019}}</ref>

Revision as of 19:07, 11 September 2020

Bahrain–Israel relations
Map indicating locations of Bahrain and Israel

Bahrain
Israel

The relations between Bahrain and Israel refers to the current and historical relations between Bahrain and Israel. Relations had been thawing between the two states despite them not having had official diplomatic or economic relations[1][2][3] and both countries agreed to fully normalise relations in Spetember 2020.[4] The foreign minister of Bahrain Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa has been quoted saying "Israel is part of this heritage of this whole region, historically. So, the Jewish people have a place amongst us."[5][6] The common threat of Iran has provided common ground for a thaw in what was once tense relations.[7] Bahrain traditionally supports the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

History

The first ever official Israeli delegation to visit Bahrain was in late September 1994.[8] Yossi Sarid, Israel's Minister for the Environment, took part in regional discussions on environmental issues and met with Bahrain’s foreign minister.[9]

In October 2007, Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid Alkhalifa held a meeting with the American Jewish Committee where he said "Palestinian refugees should return to Palestine". In the same month during the General Assembly of the UN, he met with then-Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni drawing heavy criticism from the Bahraini parliament.[10]

Wikileaks

In 2011, amid Arab spring uprising, Wikileaks cables published on Haaretz revealed some of the hidden relations between Bahraini and Israeli officials. In a meeting with the U.S. ambassador on February 2005, Bahrain's king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had bragged about having contact with Israel's national intelligence agency, Mossad. He indicated that Bahrain is ready to develop relations in other fields as well. The king reportedly gave orders that official statements don't use phrases such as "enemy" and "Zionist entity" when referring to Israel anymore. However, he refused the idea of having trade relations, saying it was "too early" and would be postponed until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.[11]

Normalization of relations

Following a video of a ceremony to mark the Jewish Hanukkah holiday hosted by Bahrain that went viral in 2016, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah, during an event hosted by Simon Wiesenthal Center on September 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, denounced the Arab League boycott of Israel and began normalizing relations following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of normalizing relations with the Arab world.[12] In effect, it allows Bahraini citizens to visit Israel whenever its necessary.[13] If the two countries begin establishing diplomatic relations, Bahrain would be the fourth Arab country and the second Arab country in the Persian Gulf region to grant recognition to the State of Israel (the others being Egypt in 1979, Jordan in 1994 and the United Arab Emirates in 2020; the Palestinian National Authority in 1993 also recognized Israel).

In May 2018, Bahrain recognized Israel's right to exist. This was reportedly mainly due to tensions with Iran.[14] This was refuted by Manama authorities as the country remains committed to the Arab Peace Initiative.[15]

In June 2019, six Israeli media outlets received formal invitations to cover the Israeli-Palestinian economic peace workshop in Bahrain.[16] In July 2019, Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and his Israeli counterpart, Israel Katz, met in United States.[17] In October 2019, an Israeli official, Dana Benvenisti-Gabay, attended the "Working Group on Maritime and Aviation Security" in Manama, Bahrain.[18] In December 2019, Jerusalem chief rabbi, Shlomo Amar, visited Bahrain for an interfaith event.[19]

King Hamad told visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that his country is committed to the creation of a Palestinian state and dismissed Washington's push for Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel.[20] However, Bahrain has said Israeli air travel to and from the United Arab Emirates can fly over its skies. The decision came at the request of the UAE and on the heels of the Abraham Accords. The decision reduces the flying time between the UAE and Israel by several hours.[21]

On the 11th September 2020, it was announced that Bahrain and Israel would establish full diplomatic relations.[22]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bahrain foreign minister defends Australia's decision on Jerusalem". Reuters. 2018-12-16. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  2. ^ "Bahrain minister calls for open communication with Israel". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  3. ^ staff, T. O. I. "Jerusalem chief rabbi visits Bahrain for interfaith event". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  4. ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-54124996
  5. ^ "The Bahrain Conference: What the Experts and the Media Missed". Yale Insights. 2019-07-03. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  6. ^ Ahren, Raphael. "Bahrain FM to Times of Israel: Israel is here to stay, and we want peace with it". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  7. ^ Ahren, Raphael; Alex; Fulbright, er. "Israel, Bahrain foreign ministers talk Iran in groundbreaking public meet". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  8. ^ The Middle East and North Africa, Europa Publications Limited
  9. ^ "When Bahrain once welcomed Israelis". Haaretz.com.
  10. ^ Barak Ravid (20 February 2011). "WikiLeaks: Bahrain FM planned to meet Israeli officials in support of peace process". Haaretz. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  11. ^ Yossi Melman (8 April 2011). "Haaretz Wikileaks exclusive / Bahrain King boasted of intelligence ties with Israel". Haaretz. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  12. ^ "Bahrain's king denounces boycott of Israel, says citizens free to visit Israel". presstv.com. 18 September 2017.
  13. ^ "Bahrain king denounces Arab boycott of Israel, says countrymen may visit". jpost.com. 17 September 2017.
  14. ^ "Bahrain Sides With Israel Against Iran". pjmedia.com. 10 May 2018.
  15. ^ "Bahrain denies Israel relations reports". gulfnews.com.
  16. ^ "At economic peace summit, being an Israeli in Bahrain feels almost normal". The Times of Israel. 26 June 2019.
  17. ^ Ahren, Raphael. "After long wait, some Israeli news outlets okayed to cover Bahrain summit". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2019-06-20.
  18. ^ "In rare formal visit, Israeli official attends anti-Iran conference in Bahrain". The Times of Israel. 21 October 2019.
  19. ^ "Jerusalem chief rabbi visits Bahrain for interfaith event, meets king". The Times of Israel. 10 December 2019.
  20. ^ "Bahrain rejects US push to normalise relations with Israel". Al Jazeera. Aug 26, 2020.
  21. ^ "Bahrain to allow UAE-Israel flights to cross its airspace". Al Jazeera. September 4, 2020.
  22. ^ "Bahrain establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel, Trump announces". Times of Israel. September 11, 2020.
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