Bahrain–Israel relations

Bahrain–Israel relations

Bahrain
Israel

The relations between Bahrain and Israel refers to the current and historical relations between Bahrain and Israel. Relations are generally tense and the two states do not have diplomatic and economic relations. Like most Arab states, Bahrain does not recognize Israel and traditionally supports the creation of an independent Palestinian state. A brief period of warming in relations occurred in the mid-1990s.

History

The first ever official Israeli delegation to visit Bahrain was in late September 1994.[1]

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.[2]

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 Palestine state.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ The Middle East and North Africa, Europa Publications Limited
  2. ↑ Barak Ravid (20 February 2011). "WikiLeaks: Bahrain FM planned to meet Israeli officials in support of peace process". Haaretz. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  3. ↑ Yossi Melman (8 April 2011). "Haaretz Wikileaks exclusive / Bahrain King boasted of intelligence ties with Israel". Haaretz. Retrieved 18 March 2012.

External links

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