Bahrain’s foreign minister welcomed Israel’s new envoy Shmuel Revel, marking a cautious step to revive ties strained after the October 7 Hamas massacre.
In a significant diplomatic move, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani on Wednesday formally accepted the credentials of Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to the Kingdom, Shmuel Revel, according to state media outlet Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
“The Foreign Minister welcomed the Ambassador, wishing him success in his diplomatic duties. Dr. Al Zayani emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to support peace, security, and stability in the region,” the statement read.
The exchange marks a new chapter in Bahrain-Israel relations, first forged in 2020 under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has long played a pivotal role in Gulf diplomacy.
Relations, however, hit turbulence following the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre in Israel that left 1,200 dead and 251 abducted. While Bahrain’s leadership swiftly condemned Hamas’s atrocities, the Kingdom recalled its envoy from Israel in November 2023 “in support of the Palestinian cause,” prompting Israel’s ambassador in Manama to leave.
Revel’s official reception signals a cautious reset in ties, underscoring Bahrain’s delicate balancing act between its Abraham Accords commitments, regional diplomacy, and solidarity with Palestinians.
