Bennett at end of Bahrain trip: It’s clear Manama wants close ties with Israel

By Tal Schneider

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15 February 2022, 8:29 pm

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Tal Schneider is a Political Correspondent at The Times of Israel

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett meets with Bahraini ministers in Manama, on February 15, 2022. (Haim Zach/GPO)

MANAMA, Bahrain — Prime Minister Naftali Bennett tells reporters at the conclusion of his trip to Bahrain that it is clear Manama is seeking close ties with the State of Israel.

“It is clear that there is a strong desire by the leadership in Bahrain to be in a significant and multidimensional relationship with Israel,” Bennett says. “The purpose of this visit was to provide substance to this tool called the Abraham Accords, with the understanding that only if there is real practical political, economic and other [steps], then this connection will remain sustainable and we can expand it.”

Bennett also says that his trip will require many follow-ups with Bahrain, in particular in terms of direct flights and travel concerns. “There are challenges and we are dealing with it.”