NEWSRAEL: We should note that this visit to Bahrain was not previously announced and comes at the height of tension between Ukraine and Russia. We can expect a lot of "photo-ops" and declarations that don't say much, but we must wonder why this trip at this time was so important.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will take off tonight (Monday) for Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This is the first official visit of an Israeli prime minister to Bahrain ever.

Bennett's visit to the kingdom comes after Defense Minister Benny Gantz's visited Manama two weeks ago who signed a security cooperation agreement. Foreign Minister Lapid visited Bahrain a few months ago and inaugurated the Israeli embassy in the country.

Bennett is expected to meet tomorrow with the King of Bahrain, Hemed bin Issa al-Khalifa, and the heir apparent and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa. Bennett will also meet with Bahrain's foreign, finance, industry and transport ministers. The Prime Minister will hold a meeting with members of the Jewish community and address young students and young entrepreneurs.

The focus of the talks will be on strengthening economic cooperation between Israel and Bahrain. The two countries are in lengthy negotiations over a tax agreement, with the Israeli Ministry of Finance placing reservations on clauses in the agreement before signing it. Bennett is also expected to discuss with the king and regent the Iranian issue and the situation in the region.