Manama: Bahrain has confirmed the deployment of a senior Israeli naval officer, saying that the deployment was made to ensure the free movement of ships in the region.
According to the international news agency, for the first time in the history of Arab countries, an Israeli officer has been deployed. The deployment is in Bahrain.
A statement issued by the Bahraini Foreign Ministry said that the deployment of the Israeli officer was part of a more than 34-nation alliance agenda for safe and free shipping in the region.
The statement added that the agenda was aimed at protecting the Gulf countries' maritime borders and international merchant ships from being attacked by pirates and terrorists.
Read this news item: Defense agreement reached between Israel and Bahrain
Bahrain has not commented on the appointment of the Israeli officer, but it is thought that the agreement was reached on the arrival of the Israeli defense minister a few days ago.
Also read: Israeli Foreign Minister's first official visit to Bahrain
Earlier in the day, an Israeli officer was appointed to serve as the liaison officer for the 5th US Navy in Bahrain.
