What Happened: The upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress in the Bahraini capital of Manama will host at least three Israeli speakers, although several Bahraini legislators are openly opposing the visit, The Times of Israel reported March 31.
Why It Matters: Although Bahrain routinely blocks international visitors on political grounds, Manama has become increasingly interested in developing Israeli ties to support its development goals in technology and entrepreneurship.
Background: If internal political backlash in Bahrain against inviting Israeli speakers remains modest, other Gulf states could feel emboldened to push for increased ties with Israel despite domestic constraints.
