US President Donald Trump announced on Friday (September 11) that Israel and Bahrain have agreed to a peace deal, with Bahrain being the second Arab country to do so after the United Arab Emirates.
“Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain agree to a Peace Deal – the second Arab country to make peace with Israel in 30 days!”” President Trump tweeted.
Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain agree to a Peace Deal – the second Arab country to make peace with Israel in 30 days!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2020
“This is a historic breakthrough to further peace in the Middle East.”, the joint statement issued by the three countries said.
The statement noted that the opening of dialogue and ties between the Israel and Bahrain prove to be a positive transformation of the Middle East and increase the stability, security and prosperity of the region.
The parties have agreed to achieve a ‘just, comprehensive and enduring resolution’ to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israel has assured that it will allow ‘all Muslim who come in peace’ to visit and pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites in Jerusalem would be open for ‘peaceful worshippers of all faiths’.
The formalization of the deal will happen on September 15 at the White House when the UAE will also sign the peace deal that it earlier signed with Israel in August.
This comes as a major boost to President Trump who is seeking another term at the office. He has positioned himself as the most pro-Israeli US President. In December 2017, President Trump announced the US’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Earlier this week, Trump was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a Norwegian Member of Parliament for his diplomatic efforts in striking the Israel-UAE deal.