Bahrain Joins UAE in Establishing Relations With Israel

  • Trump praises move as historic opportunity for Middle East
  • Decision shows increasing isolation of Palestinians and Iran

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain

Photographer: Fayez Nureldine/AFP via Getty Images

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Bahrain has become the second Gulf nation to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel, joining the United Arab Emirates in normalizing ties with the Jewish state and reshaping politics in the Middle East.

Bahraini officials said the agreement will help promote peace in the region, a position that is not shared by its neighbor Iran. The government in Tehran, which supports the island nation’s majority Shiite population, warned the deal will further destabilize the region.