A "historic step towards peace in the Middle East".
Bahrain and Israel have reached an agreement to normalize their relations, the leaders of the two states and US President Donald Trump announced in a joint statement on Friday (September 11th).
"The opening of a direct dialogue on the creation of links between these two dynamic societies and developed economies will make it possible to confirm the transformation of the Middle East and increase stability, security and prosperity in the region," he said. written in this release.
Bahrain's decision follows that taken in August by the United Arab Emirates, causing a wave of disapproval in parts of the Arab-Muslim world.
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"Citizens of Israel, I am moved to inform you that tonight we will reach another peace agreement with another Arab country, Bahrain. This agreement is in addition to the historic peace with the United Arab Emirates," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Hebrew-language statement.
Signing ceremony Tuesday
“Another historic breakthrough today!” US President Donald Trump also announced on Twitter.
"Our two great friends Israel and Bahrain have concluded a Peace Accord," he added.
Another HISTORIC breakthrough today!
Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain agree to a Peace Deal - the second Arab country to make peace with Israel in 30 days!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2020
Bahrain and Israel share with other Arab countries in the region the same hostility towards Iran, which Manama accuses of instrumentalizing the Shiite community in Bahrain against the ruling Sunni dynasty.
During a visit by US Foreign Minister Mike Pompeo to Manama at the end of August, the King of Bahrain reaffirmed that his country supported the creation of a Palestinian state, appearing to implicitly reject Washington's call to quickly establish relations with Israel.
The joint statement released by the White House specifies that Bahrain will join a signing ceremony scheduled for Tuesday at the White House in the presence of Benjamin Netanyahu.
With AFP and Reuters
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