The growing sentiment one week ahead of the US-sponsored economic workshop in Bahrain, set to take place on June 25-26, was that the summit is expected to be a success and leave the Palestinian Authority out in the cold.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday welcomed the workshop on as an important initiative.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
"A very important conference, which we welcome, will be held in Bahrain very soon – a US effort to bring about a better future and solve the region's problems," Netanyahu said. "Israelis will be present, of course."
"Whether overtly or covertly, we are maintaining ties with many leaders in the Arab world and [we have] widespread relations with most Arab countries," the prime minister added.
The Trump administration still has not revealed what the upcoming workshop in Manama will precisely entail, but according to reports, 14 finance ministers from across the globe will attend, five of them from Arab countries. Israel and the Palestinian Authority, as previously reported, will send nongovernmental representatives.
The two-day workshop will include keynote speeches, while delegations will hear plans to improve the economic situation and quality of life for Palestinians in Judea and Samaria and Gaza.
Additionally, work teams will sit down together for discussions, including the Israeli team with its Arab counterparts.
The Israeli delegation will include Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yoav Mordechai, who has developed influential ties in the Arab world over the years.
Mordechai, who is fluent in Arabic, stepped down last year as head of the IDF's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories unit and now heads Novard, an international consultancy firm.
Israel Radio said a hospital director and several social activists were also expected to participate.
