Israeli president appeals directly to people in Bahraini newspaper column

Ahead of his historic visit to Manama today, Israeli President Isaac Herzog appealed directly to the Bahraini people amid widespread protests against his visit.

Herzog published a column in the Bahraini newspaper, Al Ayam, on Sunday praising Bahrain’s decision to join the Abraham Accords as “a courageous decision” that “has already transformed our region.” 

"Israel's President writes ahead of his visit: Bahrain has chosen a brighter future of peace and partnership. We'll ensure the fruits reach every Israeli and Bahraini." >>> President @Isaac_Herzog's message to the Bahraini people as he departs for a State Visit. 🇮🇱🤝🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/u23K5HtNnA

— Office of the President of Israel (@IsraelPresident) December 4, 2022

In the days leading up to the visit, protestors in Bahrain denounced the visit, calling Herzog a “criminal” and saying he was not welcome in the country. They chanted “Death to Israel” and held up signs reading, “Isaac Herzog, go out!” (sic).

While local authorities allowed the protests before the visit, Israeli news site Ynet news reported that demonstrations would be banned during Herzog's stay. According to Israeli news site i24 News, the Shin Bet (Israel’s domestic security agency) increased security for the trip in response to local unrest expressed on social media. 

Herzog is traveling with a business delegation with the intention of strengthening cooperation between Israel and Bahrain's economic and industrial sectors.

“I believe that the single greatest opportunity facing the Middle East is a warm peace with Israel – unlocking the latent potential of partnerships with our dynamic, vibrant economy,” he wrote.

In a speech before leaving Israel, Herzog affirmed that the purpose of the visit was “predominantly a message of peace,” and expressed the hope that “more and more countries will be able to join the circle of peace with the State of Israel.” 

The president arrived in Bahrain today on a historic visit to the Arab state at the invitation of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, marking the first visit to Bahrain by an Israeli head of state. 

Moved to stand alongside my friend HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and I thank him for the warm reception. 🇮🇱🤝🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/ti8CDZNscr

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) December 4, 2022

Herzog spoke on the tarmac of the Ben-Gurion International Airport in which he proclaimed his visit to be “another historic step in the relations between Israel and Arab states.” Herzog talked about his vision of a child who “seeing a Jewish leader warmly embrace an Arab leader” would realize that “a different future is possible.” 

He also expressed that the future of Israelis and Bahrainis “will be brighter, safer and more prosperous thanks to the partnership we deepen today.” Herzog highlighted the fact that Bahrain was one of the initial signers of the Abraham Accords and spoke of his desire to ensure that “the benefits of regional friendly relations reach each and every Israeli and Bahraini.” 

Deeply moving to hear Hatikvah, our national anthem, in Bahrain next to His Majesty the King. We must strengthen our alliances for peace and bring more states and nations into the circle of peace in our region. Inshallah! pic.twitter.com/rbPby23sdQ

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) December 4, 2022

After visiting with the Bahrain Economic Development Board and members of the local Jewish community, Herzog will fly to Abu Dhabi on Monday to meet with Emirati leaders and to attend the Abu Dhabi Space Debate, a forum on space exploration policy. The forum will also be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.