(Reuters) – An Israeli cabinet minister said on Monday he had been invited to attend a conference next year in Bahrain, in what he described as part of Israel’s emerging relations with Arab and Muslim countries that do not formally recognize it. Shared worries about Iran or needs in terms of security, agriculture and water have thawed hostility toward Israel among some Arab governments. After a surprise trip to Oman last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday hosted a first visit by Chadian President Idriss Deby. “I myself received a personal invitation to Bahrain,” Israeli Economy Minister Eli Cohen said in a radio interview. Manama is a close ally of the Saudis and Emiratis, Gulf forces that Israel has described as potential partners against its arch-foe Iran.

Source: Egypt Independent November 26, 2018 12:00 UTC