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Risch: Normalization of Relations between Israel and Bahrain is Another Historic Breakthrough

BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement on the announcement of diplomatic relations between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain:

“Today’s agreement between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain to establish full diplomatic relations marks another historic breakthrough, and is something I’ve been directly involved in encouraging. As these agreements demonstrate, former opponents and rivals have increasingly reached across the table to address the shared challenges posed by Iran, radical extremism, COVID-19, and economic hardship. These agreements have the potential to change the economic, security, and diplomatic environment in the Middle East for the better and propel the region into a new era. 

“I am grateful to his Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa for his leadership on this issue, and for the Kingdom’s longstanding efforts to open the door to greater prosperity for the Palestinian people. Like-minded Arab and Muslim countries should take advantage of this opportunity and follow suit.”

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