Bahrain sees protests ahead of visit by Israel President Isaac Herzog

Protests have erupted in Bahrain ahead of a visit to the country by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Demonstrators reportedly raised Palestinian flags and chanted slogans condemning Israel’s occupation of the Palestinians, making known their disapproval at Herzog’s visit, which is set to take place Sunday.

Some reportedly carried images of Herzog that said 'criminal', while others carried signs that said 'you’re not welcome in Bahrain'.

🎥Protests in Bahrain in protest of the visit of Issac Herzog, occupation’s Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/611OV2DPgN

— palmstrategic (@palmstrategic1) December 3, 2022

"Herzog will go to Bahrain on December 4 and will hold meetings with the king, senior officials in the kingdom, and members of the Jewish community," according to Israel's Channel 13, where the leaders "will discuss strengthening relations and expanding cooperation".

Herzog will be the first Israeli head of state to visit the Gulf country. 

Bahrain is one of several Arab countries that agreed to normalise relations with Israel under the US-brokered 'Abraham Accords' in 2020, alongside the UAE, Sudan and Morocco. 

Japan fan at the World Cup: “Which channel is this?”

Isr@eli reporter: “Israel channel”

Fan:🚶🏻‍♀️👋

Reporter: “You don’t like us?” pic.twitter.com/dAz26gZDAH

— Jennine (@jennineak) November 26, 2022

However, protests such as the ones in Bahrain indicate that there is public resistance to the restoration of relations with Israel. 

This was most visible during the Qatar World Cup, where fans from across the Middle East and around the world snubbed interview requests with Israeli journalists. 

Fans from Morocco were seen chanting pro-Palestinian slogans in the stadiums, while their team celebrated their historic qualification to the Round of 16 by waving the Palestinian flag. 

Israel has carried out nearly daily, deadly raids in the occupied West Bank since March, continues to besiege Gaza, and discriminates against Palestinian citizens of Israel. More than 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in 2022, making this year the deadliest since 2006.