Congressman Ted Deutch, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism, issued this statement following the announcement of an agreement between Israel and Bahrain:
"I welcome today’s announcement that Bahrain and Israel will normalize relations. The historic agreements between Israel and Bahrain and Israel and the UAE will usher in a new era of regional cooperation and help provide greater stability in the Gulf, which is in the United States' national security interest.
"I have long hoped to see the day that common ties between Israel and its regional neighbors would be able to advance, and I look forward to working to support these growing relationships.
"I am glad that today’s announcement also includes a commitment to finding a just, comprehensive, and enduring solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. It is only a two-state solution resulting in a safe and secure Israel living side by side in peace with a viable Palestinian state that can ensure long-term peace and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians.
"Finally, I expect the Trump Administration to keep Congress fully apprised of any commitments made by the United States during the negotiations that led to today’s agreement."