Bahrain Receives Israeli Ambassador in Move Toward Restored Relations

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Bahrain formally welcomed Israeli Ambassador Shmuel Revel on Wednesday, marking a notable step toward the restoration of warm ties between the two nations. Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani received Revel’s credentials in Manama, signaling continued engagement following tensions sparked by the Gaza war.

“The foreign minister welcomed the ambassador, wishing him success in his diplomatic duties,” read a statement by Bahrain’s state news agency. Al Zayani emphasized the importance of regional peace, security, and stability an echo of the spirit that initially guided the Abraham Accords.

Ambassador Revel brings experience from the region, having served as Israel’s first trade envoy to Doha, Qatar. His appointment now places him at the heart of renewed diplomatic dialogue between Jerusalem and Manama.

Israel and Bahrain officially normalized ties in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords historic agreements that also brought Israel into diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan. But the progress faced challenges after the Hamas-led terror attack on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza.

Reports emerged a month after the massacre claiming Bahrain had recalled its ambassador and suspended economic ties. At the time, Israeli officials denied receiving formal notice, and the full status of relations remained unclear.

Despite the tensions, Bahrain’s leadership took a firm stance against terrorism. In a notable statement, Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa publicly condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack, calling it “barbaric” making him the first Arab leader to do so.

The latest diplomatic engagement reflects Bahrain’s continued commitment to regional cooperation and Israel’s place in that vision. Also present at the credentials ceremony were top Bahraini officials including Undersecretary for Political Affairs Khaled Yousef Al Jalahma and Chief of Protocol Salah Mohammed Shehab.

This renewed momentum offers hope for stabilizing and advancing relations between Israel and its neighbors, especially in the wake of profound regional challenges. The Abraham Accords were not merely symbolic they forged real channels of dialogue and partnership. The return to diplomatic formality with Bahrain underscores the durability and potential of those agreements.

Israel continues to build bridges in the region ones rooted in shared interests and mutual respect. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on Israel’s evolving role on the world stage.