While most people focused on the President Herzog’s visit to the UAE, the real show this week is in Gantz’s visit to Bahrain.
As the potential for war with Iran increases, Israel’s growing alliance with the Gulf States takes a central role in shifting geopolitical alignments in the Middle East.
Defense Minister Gantz signed a first ever defense MOU with Bahrain this week. This breakthrough is set to send shockwaves in the Middle East and ultimately Iran. The MOU essentially means that Bahrain will rely on Israeli defense against a potential Iranian attack.
So what does Israel get in return?
Strategic reach right across the Persian Gulf from Iran. Bahrain happens to be the most open and tolerant of all of the Gulf States. With this MOU, Israel has completely changed the Middle East and pushed back on Iran’s hegemonic expansion.