Bahrain agrees to normalize relations with Israel, Trump announces

Bahrain has joined the United Arab Emirates in striking an agreement to normalize relations with Israel, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, a dramatic move aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

Trump tweeted the news after he spoke by phone to both Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said.

The Bahraini foreign minister is expected to participate in the ceremony at the White House together with Netanyahu and the UAE’s foreign minister.