Israel and Bahrain are discussing joint cooperation to confront Iranian attacks with drones.
The Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, said on Friday that Israel and Bahrain “are discussing cooperation in responding to Iranian drone attacks, which are seen as a growing threat in the region.”
The newspaper pointed out that Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid discussed the matter with Bahraini officials during his visit to Manama on Thursday.
It quoted an Israeli source as saying: “Iran is developing military capabilities, such as drones, and this bothers everyone.”
The source, who was not named by the newspaper, added: “Everyone knows very well what kind of capabilities we offer.”
And the newspaper continued: “In a message to Iran, Secretary of State Lapid visited a US warship along with senior military officials and diplomats.”
On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett welcomed Lapid’s visit to Bahrain, describing it as historic.
“We will continue to deepen warm relations and cooperation with the countries of the region,” he said in a tweet on Twitter.
Lapid had visited Bahrain, on Thursday, and met the King of Bahrain and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and opened the Israeli embassy in Manama.
The newspaper said that Lapid and the Bahraini king discussed security issues, including “Iran, and economic issues.”
“It is unusual for the King of Bahrain to meet with foreign officials at the ministerial level,” she added.
An Israeli political source told the newspaper, “The Bahraini reception and a series of high-level meetings in Manama testify to the Kingdom’s desire to publicize its relations with Israel.”
