Outgoing Israeli Ambassador Eitan Na’eh Hails Israel-Bahrain Ties as a “Success Story” Despite Gaza War - Faith & Freedom News

Manama, Bahrain — Eitan Na’eh, Israel’s first ambassador to Bahrain and a historic figure in the region’s diplomacy, has concluded his tenure after four years of service, praising the resilience of bilateral relations even amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Na’eh was appointed as Israel’s first envoy to the Gulf state following the landmark Abraham Accords in September 2020, which normalized relations between Israel, Bahrain, and several Arab nations under U.S. mediation.

“A Relationship That Withstood the Test”

Reflecting on his time in Manama, Na’eh said Israel and Bahrain had overcome enormous challenges, calling the partnership a “success story against all odds.”

“We have stood the worst test to the relationship. We maintained our relationship, we maintained a high level of dialogue,” Na’eh said.

The envoy highlighted his recent farewell meeting with Bahraini Prime Minister and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which received positive coverage in Bahraini state media — a sign, he noted, that Manama is “not shy” about its ties with Israel.

Navigating War and Dialogue

Na’eh acknowledged Bahraini concerns over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza conflict, but said discussions were conducted with mutual respect.

“They tell us what they think, but on the other hand, they listen with respect to the Israeli perspective,” he explained.

In November 2023, Crown Prince Al Khalifa became the first Arab leader to publicly condemn the October 7 Hamas massacre, in which 1,200 Israelis — mostly civilians — were killed.

“I condemn Hamas unequivocally,” Al Khalifa declared at the Manama Dialogue, a major regional security summit.

Economic Cooperation Surges

Bilateral ties have not been limited to diplomacy. Trade between the two nations has surged, reaching $16.8 million in June 2024 — a 740% increase from June 2023, according to figures cited by the ambassador.

Projects have included talks on water desalination technology with Israel’s national water company Mekorot, crucial for Bahrain, one of the most water-stressed countries in the world.

“Because of the war, we were busy fighting on eight fronts and focused on what was more urgent. Business is still on the table and we will get back to it,” Na’eh said, expressing optimism for future economic opportunities.

The Abraham Accords Legacy

Na’eh credited the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords for making Israel-Bahrain ties possible.

“This could not have happened without the Abraham Accords. I hope the accords will be expanded to more countries at the right time, but a lot has already been achieved.”

Looking back, he called his greatest achievement the ability to maintain dialogue “from the highest levels in Jerusalem to the same levels here.”

Looking Ahead

Na’eh expressed hope that once the Gaza war ends — with the return of Israeli hostages and Hamas removed from power — ties with Bahrain will deepen further.