Bahrain Recalls Ambassador from Israel Amid Gaza Conflict, Severs Economic Relations; Israel Claims Ties Remain Stable

Bahrain's parliamentary body claims economic ties severed and ambassador retracted from Israel in protest against Gaza conflict, while Israel insists relationships remain constant despite regional tension.

• Bahrain has recalled its ambassador from Israel amid the Gaza war, a move confirmed by Bahrain's government. The act places pressure on regional governments that have pursued closer ties with Israel.
• Bahrain's lower house of parliament stated economic relations with Israel had also been severed. However, the local government made no clear mention of a cut in economic ties, only mentioning a temporary suspension of flights.
• Despite Bahrain's actions, Israel insists relations with the Gulf state remain stable and denies receiving formal notification about the severance of ties or withdrawal of ambassadors.
• Protests against Israel's actions in Gaza have increased across the Middle East, even in countries like Bahrain where demonstrations are rarely tolerated. Activists have called for the reversal of the normalization agreement with Israel.
• Bahrain's distancing from Israel may slow down or halt the normalisation course between Israel and other Arab countries, like Saudi Arabia, which have been moving towards improved diplomatic and economic ties under the Abraham Accords.

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