Israel and Bahrain are expected to establish formal diplomatic relations, according to media reports.

The Times of Israel reported that an announcement is expected later today, according to two officials familiar with the matter.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa is set to travel to Washington DC early next week, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post, which cited an anonymous source.

President Donald Trump sparked speculation at a White House press briefing on Thursday when he said another country could attend the ceremony next Tuesday to formalise the recently announced Israel-UAE deal.

The US-brokered agreement between the two countries has fuelled hopes of improved ties between the Jewish state and Gulf Arab countries.

Haaretz reported this week that the Arab League had refused to condemn the Israel-UAE deal.