Bahrain reiterates support for two-state solution along pre-1967 lines while celebrating “historic” opening of first Israeli embassy

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – During a ceremony welcoming the historic opening of Bahrain’s first Israeli embassy, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani made sure to reiterate that his country supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including Israel’s withdrawal to pre-1967 lines, the Jerusalem Post reports. Bahrain normalized diplomatic relations with Israel under the 2020 US-brokered Abraham Accords.

The inauguration of the Israeli embassy took place in Manama, Bahrain on September 4, JPost reports. In an address to assembled dignitaries from both countries, Zayani said the opening of the new diplomatic mission was a “historic step” that represents a “further important milestone in the relations between the two countries and reflects our support for the embassy’s diplomatic efforts to further develop bilateral relations.”

In particular, Zayani referred to the presence of Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, who was on an official visit to Bahrain to attend the embassy opening. “This visit will be a further important staging post in the development of our cooperation across the widest range of fields, benefiting not just our two countries .. but also the security, stability and prosperity of the wider Middle East region,” Zayani said.

At the same time, however, Zayani emphasized the importance of Palestinian statehood. Referencing an earlier, preparatory meeting between himself, Cohen, and Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Zayani said: “In the meeting, his royal highness, the deputy King reiterated the importance of resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict through a two-state solution as outlined in the [2002] Arab Peace Initiative,” Zayani said. This initiative calls for an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-1967 lines.

Nevertheless, Zayani went on, relations between Israel and Bahrain could move forward without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, JPost reports. Zayani said Bahrain supports continued meetings of the US-backed Negev Forum, which includes representatives from the US, Israel, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

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