LATEST

Israel, the UK and the world

Key background
  • The UK and Israel share a strong relationship, built on historical, economic, and diplomatic ties. Both nations collaborate closely in trade, science, technology, and defence, with the UK being a key partner to Israel. The UK supports Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Scientific progress, academic partnerships, and shared values of democracy further strengthen the bond.
  • Israel maintains diplomatic ties with 165 of the other 192 UN member states.
  • Israel maintains full diplomatic relations with two of its Arab neighbours, Egypt and Jordan, after signing peace treaties with the former in 1979, and the latter, 1994.
  • In 2020, supported by the US, Israel signed the Abraham Accords agreements establishing diplomatic relations with Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco.

Updated October 21, 2024

Blinken meets Sisi in Cairo

What happened: US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken completed his visit to the region having first met Egyptian President Sisi in Cairo and then engaged with a range of Israeli figures before travelling to Ramallah to see Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

  • During his meeting with Abbas, Blinken expressed “sorrow for the innocent Palestinian civilians who have lost their lives in escalating violence over the last year”, while also condemning Palestinian celebrations of last Friday’s deadly terror attack in Jerusalem.
  • Blinken also criticised the PA for its announcement of a suspension of security cooperation with Israel.
  • Later, in his final press conference back in Jerusalem, Blinken professed “deep concern about the current trajectory”, with his fears for the prospects for a two-state solution focussed chiefly on Israeli actions and proposals by coalition figures.
  • “The United States will continue to oppose anything that puts that goal further from reach,” he said, “including but not limited to settlement expansion, legalisation of illegal outposts, moves toward annexation of the West Bank, disruptions to the historic status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites, demolitions and evictions, and incitement and acquiescence to violence.”
  • At their Monday meeting, both Netanyahu and Blinken stressed the closeness of US-Israeli ties and urged the extension of the Abraham Accords, though with the Prime Minister acknowledging Blinken’s reservation that “these efforts are not a substitute for progress between Israelis and Palestinians”. “Expanding the circle of peace,” said Netanyahu, “working to close, finally, the file of the Arab-Israeli conflict I think would also help us achieve a workable solution with our Palestinian neighbours.”
  • In his own comments, Blinken hinted at US concerns over the new Israeli government’s policy direction by noting that the bilateral relationship was one which included “holding ourselves to the mutual standards we’ve established; and by speaking frankly and respectfully, as friends do, when we agree and when we do not.”
  • He then became more specific, with remarks widely interpreted as urging Israeli caution on judicial reform. Stressing US-Israel shared values, he said: “That includes our support for core democratic principles and institutions, including respect for human rights, the equal administration of justice for all, the equal rights of minority groups, the rule of law, free press, a robust civil society.”
  • In an implicit endorsement of the protest movement, Blinken added that “the vibrancy of Israel’s civil society has been on full display of late.” In an unusual move, he also found time to meet with a range of civil society leaders, including representatives of organisations promoting coexistence, ultra-Orthodox employment, and LGBTQ rights.
  • In remarks designed to assuage American concerns over judicial reform, Netanyahu referred to the US and Israel as “two strong democracies which will remain, I assure you, two strong democracies.”
  • On Iran, while Netanyahu placed the focus on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear activity, Blinken was careful to include its arming of Russia in his remarks. Adding, “Russia’s ongoing atrocities only underscore the importance of providing support for all of Ukraine’s needs – humanitarian, economic, and security.”
  • Blinken continued this theme in his discussions with Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. “We appreciate Israel’s humanitarian assistance,” said Blinken, adding that “we look forward to discussing what more can we do.”
  • In his meeting with Blinken, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant championed the “exceptional” recent joint military exercise, “Juniper Oak”, as emblematic of the close and unbreakable bond of cooperation enjoyed by both nations.
  • Blinken’s visit came in the wake of Friday’s deadly terror attack; the largest ever US-Israeli joint military exercise; and American concern over the new Israeli government’s judicial reform agenda.
  • The visit follows US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s trip two weeks ago and a more recent trip made by CIA director William Burns.
  • Blinken’s interventions on democracy and judicial reform came as the government’s proposals continue to prove hugely divisive. Yesterday again saw hi tech workers join protests against the planned changes.
  • Blinken’s channelled President Herzog’s recent calls by recognising that “building consensus for new proposals is the most effective way to ensure they’re embraced and that they endure.”
  • The PA announced the suspension of security cooperation in the wake of last Thursday’s Israeli raid in Jenin. It has previously withdrawn cooperation while retaining some on the ground cooperation. Indeed, in conversation with CIA director William Burns on Sunday, Abbas hinted for the first time that intelligence sharing with the Israelis was ongoing and that full engagement could be resumed in future.
  • Over 180 Palestinians have been killed since the beginning of 2022, though in Israel’s assessment over 90% were members of terror organisations or active combatants.
  • Cohen took office promising to “talk less” on Russia-Ukraine, but has recently confirmed that he is shortly to become the first Middle Eastern foreign minister to visit Kyiv since the start of the Russian invasion.
  • The Juniper Oak military exercise, widely interpreted as a signal to Iran of US-Israeli preparedness, was the largest joint exercise the two states have conducted. It included close to 8,000 troops combined and tested some of the militaries most advanced technology.
  • Also on the Israel – US bilateral agenda is Israel’s access to the US visa waiver programme, with talks ongoing.
  • Netanyahu plans to visit the US soon for further bilateral discussions on Iran and other shared security concerns.
  • Ahead of Cohen’s Kyiv visit, it remains to be seen whether Israel will respond to Blinken’s urging and alter the careful balance it has struck on Russia-Ukraine. In remarks to CNN immediately after Blinken’s departure, Netanyahu claimed to be “certainly looking into” increased military support to Ukraine, and highlighted Israeli cooperation in transferring a stockpile of Israeli-based US weapons to Kyiv.
  • The Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee yesterday continued its discussions on judicial reform proposals.

January 27, 2023

IDF and CENTCOM begin Op Juniper Oak

 This week saw US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the IDF begin “Juniper Oak 23.2”, a wide-ranging series of exercises in Israel and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

  • The size of the exercise is unprecedented: “We can’t really find another that even kind of comes close,” a senior US defence official said.
  • Under joint US-Israeli command and control, Juniper Oak is “all-domain”, meaning it includes scenarios for all conceivable conflict arenas: on land, in the air, at sea, in space, and in cyberspace.
  • It mission areas consist of: Air operations in maritime surface warfare; Combat search and rescue; Electronic attack; Suppression of enemy air defences; Strike coordination and reconnaissance; Air interdiction.
  • A “large-scale live fire event” will also be included, involving:
    • Over 140 aircraft, including B52s (which will conduct bomb runs in southern Israel in cooperation with IAF squadrons), F35s, F15s, F16s, FA-18s, AC-130, and AH64s.
    • 12 naval vessels (6 Israeli and 6 US, including a carrier strike group).
    • High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems.
    • Multiple Launch Rocket Systems.
  • The Israeli Navy’s Sa’ar 5-class corvettes and a submarine will refuel from an American replenishment tanker “to expand the IDF’s ranges and areas of operation in routine and emergency situations.”
  • Over 1,100 Israeli personnel will take part, alongside nearly 6,500 American troops, the bulk stationed on the USS George Bush aircraft carrier, as well as another 450 American troops stationed in Israel.
  • Though planning began in consultation with the previous Lapid government, US officials have nonetheless stressed that the speed with which this exercise has been put together is unusual.

While Iran has not been mentioned explicitly in either CENTCOM or the IDF’s official statements on Juniper Oak, US officials have privately confirmed analysts’ interpretation that such a large-scale and public military exercise is intended to send a clear message to the Islamic Republic as to joint US-Israeli capability and preparedness.

  • “It would not surprise me,” said one senior US defence official to NBC, “if Iran sees the scale and the nature of these activities and understands what the two of us are capable of doing.”
  • The exercise follows reports last week that the Israeli Air Force is seeking new F-15 EX aircraft from the US. F-15s would give the IAF an extended strike range and increased payload capacity.
  • Juniper Oak follows a joint Air Force exercise which simulated strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in November 2022. A further joint exercise held in the first week of January 2023.
  • Juniper Oak is the most significant joint activity since then-President Trump moved Israel from US European Command (EUCOM) to CENTCOM in January 2021.
  • Since its establishment in 1983, CENTCOM has functioned as the US’s unified combatant command responsible for the Middle East and Central Asia.
  • Until Trump’s move, Israel had previously been excluded from its command – falling in EUCOM, instead – at the insistence of other Middle Eastern states.
  • By being brought into the CENTCOM orbit, Israel is now part of a much more muscular unified combatant command and, crucially, one with Iran as part of its area of responsibility.
  • Juniper Oak represents the peak of increased Israeli-CENTCOM coordination over the past 12 months. So large an exercise was foreshadowed when, near the end of his tenure, Recently retired IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi confirmed that joint military activities would shortly be “significantly expanded.”
  • The exercise is also being interpreted as a message of reassurance to regional Sunni allies of the US that despite its regional draw-down, the US remains committed to the region.
  • US troop numbers in the Middle East have reduced to a historically low level of 30,000-35,000. Regional allies have been concerned that The National Defence Strategy’s prioritising of China, and the US focus on Russia-Ukraine, have come at the expense of its commitments to its Middle Eastern allies.
  • The senior US defence source addressed these concerns in the context of Juniper Oak to NBC: “What we think this exercise demonstrates is we can walk and chew gum at the same time… We still have the excess capacity to be able to flex to another high priority area of responsibility and conduct an exercise on this scale.”
  • Though not active participants in the exercise, officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council groups of states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) and from Egypt, Iraq and Jordan are likely to be briefed by the US after its completion.
  • CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Kurilla also perhaps hinted at the future formal involvement of Sunni allies with similar exercises when he said: “The lessons learned during these exercises are exportable to our partners across the region.”
  • Away from the exercise, Walla News reported yesterday that Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Council Director Tzahi Hanegbi paid a secret visit to Abu Dhabi on Sunday and met with senior UAE officials. Dermer’s brief involves both relations with the US and aspects of the Iranian issue. Prime Minister Netanyahu had hoped that his first foreign visit since his reappointment as Prime Minister would be to the UAE, but his scheduled trip to Abu Dhabi this month was cancelled.
  • US National Security Advisor also Jake Sullivan visited Israel last week. His meetings with Israeli officials included discussion of Iran, but also included conveying the Biden administration’s concerns over Netanyahu’s new government’s prospective policies towards the Palestinians and the maintenance of the status quo in Jerusalem.

Juniper Oak will conclude later this week.

  • Following Sullivan’s visit, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is due to arrive in Israel next week. Netanyahu will then visit the US in February.
  • The flurry of diplomatic trips is reflective both of the US’s desire for reassurance over the new government’s plans and its awareness of the need for a new Iran strategy, its efforts at a diplomatic solution having foundered.

January 23, 2023

Negev Forum’s first meeting

Israeli Foreign Ministry Director Alon Ushpiz and 20 other Israeli officials joined counterparts from Morocco, Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, and the US in Abu Dhabi for the first official meeting of the Negev Forum’s working groups.

  • A total of 150 participants met in what organisers say was the largest gathering of Israeli and Arab officials since the 1991 Madrid Summit.
  • Israeli ministries represented included defence, intelligence, economy, agriculture, energy, health, tourism, and education. Officials from the National Security Council and the Water Authority were also present.
  • Amidst a week of domestic political tension and recrimination, the forum presented a rare opportunity for bipartisan celebration. Opposition leader Yair Lapid described images from the summit as “extremely moving” and tweeted that “our vision of a ‘statesmanship of connections’ is taking form and is bringing the Middle East to new achievements of regional stability and cooperation.”
  • Away from the Forum, new Foreign Minister Eli Cohen spoke with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday. Cohen then joined Economy Minister Nik Barkat in meeting with UK minister for the Middle East region Lord Ahmed in Jerusalem on Wednesday, with discussions focussing on regional security and the long hoped-for free trade deal between the .

The Negev Forum was a 2022 initiative of the US and then-Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, designed to create a “permanent forum” to deepen the Abraham Accords, strengthen Arab-Israeli ties, and address issues of mutual concern.

  • Its inaugural meeting, attended by the Foreign Ministers of all members, was held in March last year in Sde Boker, followed by subsequent meetings in June and October.
  • The Working Groups are divided into six issue areas-
    • Regional security
    • Clean energy
    • Food and water security
    • Health
    • Tourism
    • Education and coexistence.
  • It can already point to its achievements in increased tourism and direct flights between Israel and the Arab members, as well as the expansion of trade and academic and cultural exchange.
  • Israel currently chairs the education and coexistence group, and co-chairs the food and water security team with Morocco.
  • Officials stressed the importance of the latter group in the context of the continued disruption of the global supply of grain and other vital ingredients caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
  • Israeli Foreign Ministry officials stressed that the decision of all other Forum states to publicly criticise Minister Ben Gvir’s recent visit to the Temple Mount would have no bearing on discussions, and further signs of the increased cooperation between Israel and the UAE were evident during and beyond the Forum.
  • This week, Israel and UAE held their first official financial dialogue meeting (virtually). Shira Greenberg, chief economist and director of state revenue, research, and international affairs at the Israeli Ministry of Finance joined Younis Haji Al Khoori, under-secretary of the UAE’s Ministry of Finance, to discuss opportunities for financial cooperation.
  • The UAE also announced this week that it will introduce Holocaust education at both the primary and secondary level.
  • Jordan continues to decline invitations to attend the Forum, citing the non-inclusion of the Palestinians. A US State Department official this week described the ongoing absence of Jordanian officials as constituting an “empty chair at the table”.
  • US officials have been keen to persuade Amman to participate, with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken raising the issue once more on a phone call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi last Friday.
  • Alongside Egyptian overtures to Ramallah, the question of Palestinian involvement was also discussed last July during President Biden’s meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, with the latter said to have confirmed to Biden that his government was not interested in participating under current conditions.
  • The US continues to update Palestinian officials on the forum’s discussions, and an idea floated last year was that Jordan and the Palestinians would join the working groups in an observer capacity.
  • The US stressed that the forum’s work still sought to benefit the Palestinians: “You’ll likely see projects that are not targeted specifically at the Palestinians per se,” said an official, “but broader regional projects that [they] will be able to benefit from just like the other countries involved…”
  • Although Israeli-Palestinian peace is not a formal priority of the forum, its Regional Cooperation Framework (agreed by the Bennett-Lapid government in November 2022 but only released this week) did express the ambition that its work could be “harnessed to create momentum in Israeli-Palestinian relations, towards a negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and as part of efforts to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.”
  • Ushpiz, however, said: “Our line is very clear and my instructions going in were very clear ­- the Negev forum is about strengthening regional integration and improving people’s lives and we don’t want it to engage in political discussions about the Palestinian issue.”
  • Analyst Barak Ravid cites Israeli officials disclosing that several of the participating Arab states had wanted the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to be mentioned in the meeting’s closing statement but that these proposals were rejected by Israeli officials.
  • Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem, meanwhile, condemned the Arab states’ participation as an “insistence on the sin of their normalisation with the Occupation State”.

The forum’s next meeting – at the “Annual Ministerial” level – will take place in Morocco in the Spring.

  • By that time, Prime Minister Netanyahu will hope to have made his first official visit to the UAE.
  • According to reports, officials in Washington plan to invite the Foreign Minister of an unnamed and as yet uninvolved Muslim African state.

January 4, 2023

Netanyahu announces Security Cabinet

Following the swearing in of the new government last week, yesterday Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the makeup of the Security Cabinet.

  • Netanyahu will chair the committee. The other members will be:
    • Defence Minister, Yoav Galant, Likud
    • Justice Minister, Yariv Levin, Likud
    • Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, Likud
    • Interior Minister and Health Minister, Aryeh Deri, Shas
    • National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Jewish Power
    • Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, Religious Zionists
    • Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer
    • Transportation Minister, Miri Regev, Likud
    • Energy Minister, Yisrael Katz, Likud
    • Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Avi Dichter, Likud

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen began his tenure with a handover meeting with former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

  • Cohen also began engaging with foreign leaders, speaking to UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.  According to the Times of Israel the latter asked Cohen to pass a message onto Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov when the pair spoke later in the day, but did not reveal the content of the message.
  • Defence Minister Gallant announced the appointment Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir as the new director general of the ministry. Zamir, the former IDF deputy Chief of Staff also previously served as Netanyahu’s military secretary and recently missed out on the top IDF position when former Defence Minister Gantz appointed Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi instead.

In parallel: There was widespread international condemnation of Minister Ben Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount yesterday.

  • Unlike in the past, when Ben Gvir has been accompanied by journalists and fanfare, this time he entered the compound early in the morning, discreetly through a side entrance, with the whole visit lasting less than 15 minutes.
  • The visit was coordinated with Netanyahu and the police and followed consultations with the wider security establishment.
  • The visit coincided with the tenth of Tevet, a fast day to commemorate the Babylonian siege and eventual destruction of the First Temple.
  • Following the visit, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his long standing commitment to “strictly maintaining the status quo, without changes, on the Temple Mount,” whereby it is permitted for non-Muslims to visit the site but not to conduct prayer services.  (For more reactions to the visit see media summary below).
  • Last night a single rocket was fired towards Israel. The rocket fell short and landed in an open field inside the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu carefully weighted the security cabinet, ensuring a majority for moderate loyalists.

  • In addition, he has also appointed long term ally Tzachi Hanegbi (who did not reach a realistic spot in the Likud primaries) to serve as his National Security Adviser.
  • It is rare for an Israeli political leader to produce an heir, let alone two; credit to former Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon who retired from politics two years ago. He brought both the current defence and foreign ministers into politics in his Kulanu Party, before re-joining the Likud.
  • Foreign Minister Cohen served as minister for intelligence in the last Netanyahu government, playing a key role in reaching the normalisation agreement with Sudan.
  • Since the government was sworn in, Netanyahu has also spoken to an array of regional leaders including Egyptian President Sisi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whom Netanyahu intends to visit soon.
  • There is concern that Netanyahu’s priority of strengthening regional alliances and expanding the Abraham Accords will be jeopardised by Ben Gvir’s actions.

Tomorrow the UN Security Council is expected to convene at the behest of the UAE, on behalf of Jordan and the Palestinian Authority to discuss the situation on the Temple Mount.

  • Foreign Minister Cohen hopes to continue the momentum of the Negev Forum, inaugurated last year in Sde Boker, which included the foreign ministers of Israel, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and the US. They are planning to convene in Morocco in March.

December 7, 2022

Herzog formally received in Bahrain

What happened in Bahrain: President Herzog was formally received on a State Visit by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

  • On departure Herzog framed the trip as “a visit of peace….bringing and delivering a message of peace is another step toward the inclusion of Israel in the region built on cooperation for the wellbeing of the nations of the region. Inshallah, we will bring another step toward peace.”
  • In their meeting, President Herzog and King Hamad discussed the importance that their countries attach to their bilateral relationship and the expansion of Israeli-Bahraini cooperation.
  • Herzog told him, “You are at the forefront of making history in the region, where Jews and Muslims can dwell together, the sons of Abraham, and move forward in peace. It is a long process, but we can dream of it and we can see it. Our nations joined the path of peace and the Kingdom of Bahrain is really one of the pioneers in this process, joining other nations that are pursuing peace together for the benefit and wellbeing of our peoples and the nations in the region and the world at large.”
  • King Hamad said, “we are confident that this visit has an important role in consolidating relations between our two countries,” and to witness the “spirit of friendliness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the members of our honourable society of all religions and races, reaffirming our belief in the values of peace, brotherhood and cooperation among human beings.”
  • President Isaac Herzog also met with representatives of the Jewish community of Bahrain, which included Houda Nonoo, former Bahraini ambassador to the US.
  • To coincide with the visit Herzog wrote an op-ed in the Bahraini media. Having signed the Abraham Accords two years ago Herzog wrote, the task is now “making sure the benefits of regional friendly relations reach each and every Israeli and Bahraini.” He cited direct flights, a free trade agreement, and “envisions a future of student exchanges, of joint projects between youth, of collaborative ventures between universities—not only between Israel and Bahrain, but with our broader region.”
  • He highlighted the climate crisis “in which our small countries can and must punch above our weight.” He added, “our mission is to create a Renewable Middle East: a regional ecosystem of sustainable peace, in which we all join forces to provide common solutions to our common challenges. Southern Israel is already powered 100% by solar energy in the daytime, and when you open the faucet in much of our land, the water you drink is all desalinated. We want to scale up these solutions with our new friends, using our respective advantages to bring clean water and clean energy to Europe, Asia, and Africa.”
  • In Abu Dhabi: President Herzog delivered a keynote speech at the Abu Dhabi Space Debate.
  • In his speech the President noted, “I am proud of Israel’s close cooperation with NASA, the European Space Agency, and our counterparts in France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and many other countries. But I am especially proud of our evolving space partnership with the United Arab Emirates. Our two countries are boldly leading our region toward new frontiers in space and leaving our mark on history.”
  • He highlighted the importance of transnational partnerships but also in education. He noted, “In Israel, we have introduced the TEVEL program, which is already working with high school students from across the country, Jews and Arabs alike. They are building, testing, and launching nanosatellites into space, and then using them to gather data and conduct experiments. Israel invites all the countries here to work with us to expand this program regionally and internationally. Together, we will harness the collective creativity, genius and wonder of our youth. And I would like to invite all of you to partake in this incredible venture.”
  • Herzog also had a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in his private home.
  • President bin Zayed said: “Thank you very much, Mr. President, for coming back again to your second home. It really means a lot to us. This is a new relationship, and we are trying to build a very strong bridge between our two countries, and I think we have built a very strong bridge that we are both proud of. The Abraham Accords are achieving their goals, so we are very proud.”
  • This was the first official visit of an Israeli president to Bahrain. However both former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid (while serving as foreign minister) have visited before.
  • This was the fifth meeting between Herzog and bin Zayed, since meeting last year they have kept in touch, including several telephone calls.
  • The Jewish community in Manama immigrated in the early 1880s, mostly from Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait.
  • Trade between Israel and the UAE is growing at an impressive rate. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, Israeli imports from the UAE grew from $551m in 2021 to $1,398m this year. Israeli exports rose from $272m last year to $430m in 2022.
  • Beyond economic relations, there is also emerging security cooperation. Israeli media reported last month that two Israeli Barak air defence systems have been deployed in the UAE to defend against a range of aerial threats emanating from Iran.
  • As the signatory of the Abraham Accords two years ago, Designated Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to visit Bahrain and the UAE on his first diplomatic trip abroad.
  • Israel and Bahrain hope to complete a free trade agreement before the end of the year.

December 7, 2022

Herzog in Bahrain

What happened in Bahrain: President Herzog was formally received on a State Visit by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Bahrain.

  • On departure Herzog framed the trip as “a visit of peace….bringing and delivering a message of peace is another step toward the inclusion of Israel in the region built on cooperation for the wellbeing of the nations of the region. Inshallah, we will bring another step toward peace.”
  • In their meeting, President Herzog and King Hamad discussed the importance that their countries attach to their bilateral relationship and the expansion of Israeli-Bahraini cooperation.
  • Herzog told him, “You are at the forefront of making history in the region, where Jews and Muslims can dwell together, the sons of Abraham, and move forward in peace. It is a long process, but we can dream of it and we can see it. Our nations joined the path of peace and the Kingdom of Bahrain is really one of the pioneers in this process, joining other nations that are pursuing peace together for the benefit and wellbeing of our peoples and the nations in the region and the world at large.”
  • King Hamad said, “we are confident that this visit has an important role in consolidating relations between our two countries,” and to witness the “spirit of friendliness, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among the members of our honourable society of all religions and races, reaffirming our belief in the values of peace, brotherhood and cooperation among human beings.”
  • President Isaac Herzog also met with representatives of the Jewish community of Bahrain, which included Houda Nonoo, former Bahraini ambassador to the US.
  • To coincide with the visit Herzog wrote an op-ed in the Bahraini media. Having signed the Abraham Accords two years ago Herzog wrote, the task is now “making sure the benefits of regional friendly relations reach each and every Israeli and Bahraini.” He cited direct flights, a free trade agreement, and “envisions a future of student exchanges, of joint projects between youth, of collaborative ventures between universities—not only between Israel and Bahrain, but with our broader region.”
  • He highlighted the climate crisis “in which our small countries can and must punch above our weight.” He added, “our mission is to create a Renewable Middle East: a regional ecosystem of sustainable peace, in which we all join forces to provide common solutions to our common challenges. Southern Israel is already powered 100% by solar energy in the daytime, and when you open the faucet in much of our land, the water you drink is all desalinated. We want to scale up these solutions with our new friends, using our respective advantages to bring clean water and clean energy to Europe, Asia, and Africa.”

In Abu Dhabi: President Herzog delivered a keynote speech at the Abu Dhabi Space Debate.

  • In his speech the President noted, “I am proud of Israel’s close cooperation with NASA, the European Space Agency, and our counterparts in France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and many other countries. But I am especially proud of our evolving space partnership with the United Arab Emirates. Our two countries are boldly leading our region toward new frontiers in space and leaving our mark on history.”
  • He highlighted the importance of transnational partnerships but also in education. He noted, “In Israel, we have introduced the TEVEL program, which is already working with high school students from across the country, Jews and Arabs alike. They are building, testing, and launching nanosatellites into space, and then using them to gather data and conduct experiments. Israel invites all the countries here to work with us to expand this program regionally and internationally. Together, we will harness the collective creativity, genius and wonder of our youth. And I would like to invite all of you to partake in this incredible venture.”
  • Herzog also had a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in his private home.
  • President bin Zayed said: “Thank you very much, Mr. President, for coming back again to your second home. It really means a lot to us. This is a new relationship, and we are trying to build a very strong bridge between our two countries, and I think we have built a very strong bridge that we are both proud of. The Abraham Accords are achieving their goals, so we are very proud.”

Israel in the WorldContext: This was the first official visit of an Israeli president to Bahrain. However both former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid (while serving as foreign minister) have visited before.

  • This was the fifth meeting between Herzog and bin Zayed, since meeting last year they have kept in touch, including several telephone calls.
  • The Jewish community in Manama immigrated in the early 1880s, mostly from Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait.
  • Trade between Israel and the UAE is growing at an impressive rate. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, Israeli imports from the UAE grew from $551m in 2021 to $1,398m this year. Israeli exports rose from $272m last year to $430m in 2022.
  • Beyond economic relations, there is also emerging security cooperation. Israeli media reported last month that two Israeli Barak air defence systems have been deployed in the UAE to defend against a range of aerial threats emanating from Iran.

Looking forward: As the signatory of the Abraham Accords two years ago, Designated Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to visit Bahrain and the UAE on his first diplomatic trip abroad.

  • Israel and Bahrain hope to complete a free trade agreement before the end of the year.

Newsletter sign-up

Please enter your information below to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay updated and informed.

Donate to BICOM

At BICOM, we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our website and services running. Your donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference. Please consider supporting us today.