Israeli President Isaac Herzog described Israel and Bahrain as small Middle Eastern nations committed to peace and coexistence between Jews and Muslims, citing a recent phone conversation with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Speaking at a Claims Conference event in Jerusalem on Sunday, Herzog characterized Khalifa as a "bold and courageous leader" Who views the Abraham Accords as a "cornerstone in the future of the Middle East."
The two leaders spoke for approximately an hour about "regional issues, as well as our pursuit of peace, and standing up to terror and hate of all forms in our region and elsewhere. Bahrain has a very important voice on so many important issues," Herzog said.
Herzog also expressed well-wishes for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to the United States, where Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday following his departure Monday morning.
Bahrain joined the Abraham Accords in 2020 alongside the United Arab Emirates, establishing agreements between Israel and Arab states during Trump's first presidential term. Trump has continued to pursue expansion of the accord's membership.