JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will travel to Bahrain on Monday in the highest-level visit since the countries established relations under a 2020 US-sponsored deal.

Bennett will meet with Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, his office said.
“The leaders will discuss additional ways to strengthen bilateral ties…especially the advancement of diplomatic and economic issues, with an emphasis on technology and innovation,” it said in a statement.

Bennett was also scheduled to meet representatives of Bahrain’s Jewish community, his office said.
The trip follows a visit to Manama by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz earlier this month that saw the two countries sign a defense agreement.

The deal covered intelligence, procurement and joint training, with Gantz boasting that it further solidified the nascent diplomatic relationship.