Bennett had a meeting later in the day with King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain, as well as Vice Admiral Brad Cooper of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, Bahraini ministers, and members of Bahrain's Jewish community. During the meeting, Bennett emphasized the importance of transitioning from government-to-government relations to people-to-people peace. Prince Salman agreed, likening the meeting to cousins coming together. Additionally, an agreement was announced between Israel and Bahrain to fund joint business projects in various sectors. This visit marked the first official visit by an Israeli prime minister to Bahrain, highlighting the strengthening ties between Israel and several Arab nations over the past year and a half. Israel has established diplomatic relations with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and improved relations with Sudan and Morocco since 2020. For years, the majority of Arab countries refused to normalize relations with Israel due to the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, priorities have shifted for some countries in the region, including Bahrain. Containing Iran and its armed proxies now takes precedence over resolving the conflict, especially as Iran accelerates its nuclear enrichment. Bahrain will host an Israeli military officer for the first time as part of a regional alliance to ensure freedom of navigation and international trade in the Persian Gulf, following attacks by Iran and its proxies on ships in the area. Bahrain's invitation to Bennett suggested a growing acceptance of Israel's role in the region by Saudi Arabia, a major player in the Arab world and a rival to Iran. While Saudi officials officially deny plans to normalize ties with Israel, their support is crucial for Bahrain, as evidenced by past instances of assistance. Bahrain is often seen as a proxy for Saudi Arabia, making decisions in alignment with the kingdom. According to political scientist Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, Bahrain looks to Saudi Arabia as a supportive ally in times of need. Abdulla stated that there is more cooperation among Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf States than many people realize. Prominent Saudis have also made surprising statements regarding Israel and the Palestinians, such as Prince Mohammed asserting in 2018 that Israelis have a right to their own land. Two years later, Saudi prince Bandar bin Sultan criticized the Palestinian leadership for failing ordinary Palestinians. In a current example of this changing attitude, Saudi movie theaters are screening a film featuring Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who has faced criticism in the Arab world for her support of Israeli military actions in Gaza. Relations are improving between Israel and the Arab countries of Egypt and Jordan, despite past tensions. President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt publicly greeted an Israeli government minister, Karine Elharrar, in a notable display of warming ties. However, while government bonds are strengthening, public sentiment in the Arab world remains hesitant. Polls indicate that most Arabs do not support the recent diplomatic progress with Israel. In Bahrain, where dissent is limited, small groups of protesters were seen demonstrating against the Bahraini government and Israel on social media. International human rights organizations state that Bahrain lacks a free press and that its judiciary is controlled by the ruling royal family. The Khalifa family, a Sunni Muslim dynasty, has governed Bahrain since 1783, overseeing a predominantly Shia population that claims to experience widespread sectarian discrimination. Activists who have been forced to flee Bahrain expressed disappointment in Bennett's visit coinciding with the anniversary of the 2011 uprising, viewing it as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and as an endorsement of Israel's policies. Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, advocacy director at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, described the visit as a disrespectful gesture towards Bahrainis who had bravely opposed authoritarian rule 11 years earlier, criticizing the decision to host the leader of a country they view as practicing apartheid.