Israeli Intelligence Boss Holds Talks With Bahraini Top Security Officials During Official Visit

Israel continues to develop relations with Gulf nations after the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain agreed to normalize relations with Tel Aviv under the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic effort substantially inspired by the previous US executive administration.

Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen made an official visit to Bahrain to discuss the security agenda and the means to enhance bilateral cooperation, Bahrain News agency reported on Thursday. The Israeli intelligence chief met with the country’s President of the National Security Agency Lieutenant General Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel, and President of the Strategic Security Agency Shaikh Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa.

The Sides discussed “ways of boosting cooperation, security issues, regional developments and issues of common interest.”

Last month the countries agreed on the mutual recognition of vaccination passports and certificates to resume travel between the nations without quarantine.

Throughout the past several months, Israel signed the historic Abraham Accords, agreements to normalize relations with a number of Arab states – United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, as well as with Sudan and Morocco. The move, largely resulted from efforts of the administration of Donald Trump and reportedly aimed partly to confront Iran, has earned negative reactions particularly from Palestinians and the Islamic republic.

President Donald Trump walks to the Abraham Accords signing ceremony at the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan

Earlier, a special aide to Iranian president in international affairs, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, noted that Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates would experience “major challenges” on a domestic level after they signed the accords with Israel.

Recently speculation occurred that Tel Aviv is negotiating the formation of a four-nation defense alliance that would include Israel, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, something that is believed to be a response to a “growing Iranian threat” in the Middle East.

Among other things, the possible reconstruction of the Iranian nuclear deal (also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA) received criticism from Tel Aviv, who’s officials suggest that the agreement should include additional restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program. Tehran has consistently denied allegations that it intends to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Sourse: sputniknews.com