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On Wednesday, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, formally welcomed Israel’s new ambassador, Shmuel Revel. This event was more than just a polite meeting. It was an official step that showed Bahrain and Israel are ready to restore their full diplomatic relations after almost two years of pause.

When a new ambassador arrives in a foreign country, he must present his "credentials"—official letters from his home government—to the host country’s leaders. This is a formal way of saying, “I am here as the representative of my country, and I am ready to start my work.” Once accepted, the ambassador can officially begin his duties.

This simple yet powerful ceremony marked the return of full communication and cooperation between Bahrain and Israel.

Background: The Abraham Accords and Their Promise

To understand why this matters, we need to look back a few years. In 2020, Bahrain and Israel signed a historic peace agreement called the Abraham Accords. The deal was first signed by Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and later joined by Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

This agreement allowed these countries to open embassies, exchange ambassadors, and begin working together on trade, tourism, technology, and security. For Bahrain, a small island nation in the Gulf, it was a bold move that showed hope for a more peaceful Middle East.

At first, relations between Bahrain and Israel grew quickly. Flights began between the two countries, business groups met, and leaders from both sides exchanged visits. It seemed like a new chapter was beginning.

The Break in Relations: Why Did It Happen?

However, the journey was not smooth. In November 2023, Bahrain decided to recall its ambassador from Israel. At the same time, Israel’s ambassador left Bahrain. This sudden pause came during the Gaza war, a conflict that deeply affected the region.

Many in Bahrain, like in other Arab countries, strongly supported the Palestinian cause. They felt that keeping an ambassador in Israel during such a conflict would send the wrong message to their people. So, Bahrain froze the relationship as a sign of protest and solidarity with Palestinians.

For nearly two years, official relations remained on hold. There was no ambassador in either country, and the progress made in earlier years seemed uncertain.

Why the Renewal Matters Now

Now, in August 2025, Bahrain has taken a clear step to bring back full ties with Israel. By receiving Ambassador Revel’s credentials, Bahrain has opened the door to restart cooperation.

This move shows that both countries understand the importance of dialogue, even when disagreements exist. In diplomacy, talking does not always mean agreeing, but it creates space to avoid misunderstandings and build trust.

For Israel, having an ambassador in Bahrain strengthens its position in the Gulf, a region that is key for trade, energy, and security. For Bahrain, this decision reflects its careful balancing act—supporting Palestinian rights while also working with international partners to keep the region stable.

Bahrain’s Strategic Role in the Region

Bahrain is a small island, but it has an outsized importance in world affairs. It hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, a major naval force responsible for security in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.

This makes Bahrain an important ally not just for the United States, but also for regional stability. By keeping good relations with Israel, Bahrain signals that it wants to play a constructive role in peace and security in the Middle East.

 Shmuel Revel is a senior Israeli diplomat with years of experience. He has worked in different regions, representing Israel in various international roles. His job in Bahrain will not be easy—he will need to rebuild trust, strengthen cooperation, and show respect for local concerns.

As ambassador, he will likely focus on areas where both countries can benefit, such as technology, healthcare, water management, and education. These areas are less politically sensitive but can build strong bridges between societies.

Who Is Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani?

• The man who received Ambassador Revel’s credentials, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, is a respected figure in Bahrain.
• He is a former general in the Bahraini army.
• He once served as the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional group of six Gulf countries.
• In 2020, he was appointed as Bahrain’s Foreign Minister.
• He played a major role in shaping Bahrain’s decision to join the Abraham Accords.
• His leadership has been central in guiding Bahrain’s foreign policy, especially in balancing ties with Western allies, Gulf neighbors, and now, again, with Israel.

The Ceremony and Its Message

During the ceremony, both Al Zayani and Revel spoke about their hopes for the future. They discussed ways to improve cooperation, promote peace, and work together for regional stability.

The event was symbolic. By shaking hands and exchanging kind words, the two leaders sent a message: while the past two years were difficult, both sides are willing to start again.

Why This Is a Step Toward Stability

Restoring diplomatic ties does not mean that all problems are solved. The issues in Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and wider regional tensions remain. But diplomacy is about keeping doors open.

When two countries talk, they can address problems without resorting to violence. When they stop talking, misunderstandings can grow into bigger conflicts.

This restart between Bahrain and Israel is not just about two nations—it also gives hope that other countries in the region may find ways to reduce tension and increase cooperation.

For Students: Why Diplomacy Matters

Sometimes, these kinds of diplomatic ceremonies may feel boring or unimportant. But they are like building bridges instead of walls.

Imagine two classmates who had a fight. For months, they refused to talk to each other. Then one day, they shake hands and say, “Let’s try again.” That handshake does not erase the past fight, but it opens the possibility of friendship again.

Diplomacy works the same way. It is about finding peaceful solutions instead of fighting. That is why events like this matter so much.

Looking Ahead

The future of Bahrain-Israel relations will depend on how both countries manage sensitive issues like the Palestinian conflict. Bahrain will continue to voice support for Palestinians, while also working with Israel on areas of common interest.

The restart of relations may also inspire other Arab nations to reconsider their ties with Israel. If they see positive results, such as economic growth or more security cooperation, they may feel encouraged to engage more openly.

At the same time, leaders will have to listen to their people, many of whom remain deeply concerned about the suffering of Palestinians.

The return of full diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Israel is a significant step in Middle East politics. It shows that even after conflict and tension, countries can find a way back to dialogue.

By receiving Israel’s new ambassador, Bahrain has chosen diplomacy over silence. It has shown that even when disagreements remain, communication and cooperation are always better than isolation.

This event reminds us that peace is not built in a day. It takes many small steps, handshakes, and conversations. The ceremony in Bahrain was one such step—a small but meaningful sign that dialogue is still possible in a region where conflict has lasted for decades.

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