Israel's Knesset okays normalization deal with Bahrain

By Zain Khalil

JERUSALEM (AA) - Israel’s parliament Knesset on Tuesday approved the normalization agreement with Bahrain, according to Israeli media.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said that 62 lawmakers (out of a total of 120) voted in favor of the agreement, while 14 members from the Arab Joint List voted against deal.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech in the Knesset that the normalization with Bahrain will contribute to the economy.

"Thanks to peace, we will be able to connect oil pipelines from the Persian Gulf to Israel and from there to Europe," Netanyahu said.

On Sept. 15, Bahrain and the UAE agreed to establish full diplomatic, cultural and commercial relations with Israel after signing controversial agreements at the White House.

The deals have drawn widespread condemnation from Palestinians, who say the accords ignore their rights and do not serve the Palestinian cause.

The deal drew widespread condemnation from Palestinians, as well as countries including Iran and Turkey.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat