Israel, Bahrain sign new defense memo in signal toward Iran

By JOSEF FEDERMAN
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and Bahrain have signed a new defense agreement in a show of cooperation aimed at sending a message toward archenemy Iran. Defense Minister Benny Gantz said Thursday’s agreement represents a new high point in relations between the countries and could help protect other nations in the region. The agreement comes during Gantz’ visit to Bahrain after the two countries normalized ties last year. Gantz also visited the headquarters of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain — a strategically located Arab country in the heart of the Persian Gulf. Israel and Bahrain share a deep animosity toward Iran. The delegation also visited a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS Cole.