"Islamic Resistance in Bahrain" Announces First Ever Attack on Israel

Arab Gulf Countries Normalizing Relations with Israel

In the past, we've discussed the ongoing Saudi efforts to prevent an 'Islamist uprising' in response to Arab Gulf countries normalizing relations with Israel. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have already normalized their relations, and now Saudi Arabia is believed to be on the verge of doing the same.

Unprecedented Attack from Bahrain-Based Group

On Thursday, reports emerged of an unprecedented event: a group known as the "Islamic Resistance in Bahrain" has announced its first ever attack on Israel, in retaliation for Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Drone Attack on Israeli Transport Company

The group, also known as Saraya al-Ashtar or al-Ashtar Brigades in Arabic, launched drones against the southern Israeli port city of Eilat. The attack reportedly occurred on Saturday, but was only announced later in the week by the relatively unknown group. The group stated that it "targeted the headquarters of the company responsible for land transportation in the Zionist entity [Trucknet] in the city of Umm al-Rashrash [Eilat] in occupied Palestine" - as reported by Al Jazeera. Eilat has often been targeted by Yemen's Houthis amidst the ongoing Red Sea crisis.

Impact on Israel-Gulf Ties

The Israeli land transport company 'Trucknet" is very active in Arab Gulf countries and is considered a crucial factor in reestablishing Israel-Gulf relations. It is still unclear from where the Bahraini group launched the attack, but it is likely that it was operating from Yemeni territory. This attack is likely aimed at disrupting both diplomatic and economic ties between Bahrain and Israel.

Israel and Bahrain: A Tense Relationship

In September, Israel took the unprecedented step of opening an embassy in Bahrain based on Abraham Accords talks. However, the Gaza war disrupted these proceedings, and Bahrain recalled its ambassador from Israel. Later, in December, Bahrain indicated that it remains committed to normalizing ties with Israel.

US Presence in Bahrain

The wealthy island-nation, located just off the Saudi coast, hosts the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), as well as the US 5th Fleet and others.

Bahrain's Political Climate

During the so-called Arab Spring, Bahrain's Shia population and activist groups sought to lead large demonstrations with the aim of overthrowing the Sunni monarchy. However, the Saudis sent tanks across the lengthy causeway to help suppress the uprising.

US Interests in Bahrain

During the Arab Spring, Bahrain was largely overlooked by Washington's 'freedom rhetoric' while the media spotlight was focused on places like Egypt, Libya, and Syria. This is because the US requires strong Sunni Gulf rulers who are willing to host the Pentagon, maintain oil and gas contracts, and suppress the restive Shia population in the region.

Further Attacks on Israel

Also on Thursday, there have been reports of Iran-linked groups in Iraq launching fresh cruise missile attacks on Israel, but there's been no confirmation that projectiles made it to Israeli airspace.

What are your thoughts on this development?

This article brings to light the complex political dynamics in the Middle East and the potential ramifications of normalizing relations with Israel. What do you think about this situation? Share this article with your friends and discuss it. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which takes place every day at 6pm.