Netanyahu sees direct IsraelBahrain flights after normalisation deal

Jerusalem

A deal establishing relations between Israel and Bahrain will result in indirect flights between the countries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday. “There will be brisk and direct air traffic between the countries,” he said in remarks to the Israeli cabinet, a transcript of which was issued by his office.

The Bahrain deal, announced on Friday, followed a similar accommodation between the UAE and Israel and resulting pledges of direct air connections. Saudi Arabia, while not recognizing Israel, has said it would allow Israeli airliners to fly over its territory en route to the Gulf.