Maj. Gen. Tal Kelman, head of the IDF's Strategy and Third Circle Directorate, was interviewed by Bahrain's leading daily newspaper over the weekend, marking the first time since the signing of the Abraham Accords that a senior IDF officer has openly spoken to a media outlet from the Gulf. The article was highlighted on the front page and appeared on the entire fourth page of the newspaper.
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In the interview, Kelman emphasized the importance of fostering a joint dialogue on the strategic and military level between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Israel, and highlighted the importance of military cooperation between the two countries, which he said faced similar strategic threats.
According to Kelman, the Abraham Accords provide an opportunity to establish a new Middle East, opening the path to a moderate axis including Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and others that could join them in the future against the radical axis spearheaded by Iran, which has proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
Kelman, whose Strategy and Third Circle Directorate is also responsible for Iran, also said the existence of such an alliance would limit Iran's belligerent and expansionist endeavors, as the military capabilities of Israel and other moderate Arab countries play a balancing role in the region.
Iran's acquisition of nuclear capabilities, said Kelman, will trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Israel, he added, although it believes in a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, will be prepared for any scenario involving Iran and its proxies should diplomatic efforts fail.
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