Israel PM meets Bahrain’s king in push to strengthen ties

By ILAN BEN ZION
Associated Press

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Israel’s prime minister says Israel and its Arab allies are forging a regional “ring of stability.” He spoke Tuesday as he wrapped up a lightning trip to the Gulf state of Bahrain that aimed to send a clear message of unity against shared regional rival Iran. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made the first official visit by an Israeli leader to Bahrain since the countries established formal diplomatic relations in 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered “Abraham Accords.” In recent months, the countries have stepped up their ties in the face of rising tensions with Iran. Bennett also met with the leader of the U.S.’s 5th Fleet, which is headquartered in Bahrain.