Bahrain recently took a significant diplomatic step by recalling itsambassador from Israel and terminating all economic relations with thecountry. This decision is primarily motivated by Bahrain’s strong supportfor the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people.
To provide context, in September 2020, Bahrain, alongside the United ArabEmirates (UAE), signed the Abraham Accord with Israel in the United States,where the former President, Donald Trump, hosted the historic event. Themain objective of this agreement was to establish normalized relationsbetween these Arab nations and Israel, with Sudan and Morocco later joiningthe initiative.
The United States played a crucial role in brokering these agreements,aiming to encourage more Arab countries to recognize Israel. In addition todiplomatic ties, these agreements also facilitated trade deals and militarycooperation between Bahrain, the UAE, and Israel, starting in 2020.
Conversely, in a separate development, the Tunisian parliament has begundiscussions on a new law that seeks to make it illegal for individuals orentities to have normal relations with Israel. The proposed bill defines”normalization” as any form of recognition of the “Zionist entity” or theestablishment of direct or indirect ties with it. Such actions would becategorized as “high treason.”
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These developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities, withIsrael’s bombing of Gaza continuing and the tragic death toll surpassing9,000.
Those found guilty of “normalizing” relations with Israel under theproposed Tunisian law could face severe penalties, including prisonsentences ranging from 6 to 10 years and fines ranging from 10,000 to100,000 dinars (approximately $3,155 to $31,553). Repeat offenders couldeven face life imprisonment.