Defense Minister Benny Gantz visited the United States Navy's Fifth Fleet on Thursday morning after arriving in Bahrain on a surprising visit the day before. He was accompanied by commander of the Fifth Fleet Vice Admiral Charles (Brad) Cooper II, and the commander of the Israeli Navy Vice Admiral David Saar Salama.
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"In the past year, partially due to the Abraham Accords and Israel move to CENTCOM, cooperation between the IDF and the Fifth Fleet has grown, as have the defense systems," Gantz said, calling the event "a significant milestone."
"It is strategic security need of utmost importance in the face of growing challenges in the maritime area in particular, and the region in general. Israel will continue to strengthen ties with the US and other countries in the region. We are also ready to assist and collaborate operationally in order to ensure stability and here too, our friendship can exists and thrive safely, and we too will be better protected from various challenges."
Gantz arrived in Bahrain to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Gulf nation on security matters, and is expected to meet with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and other Bahraini leaders.
Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett paid a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, the first official visit to the country by an Israeli leader since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 2020.
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