The opening of the Israeli embassy in Bahrain comes as the US is pressing its traditional ally Riyadh to sign a similar deal for Saudi Arabia, a Muslim powerhouse and home to Islam's holiest shrines.

The government's National Communication Centre released an official turnout figure of 73%, topping the 67% recorded in 2018.

The two-day trip to Bahrain comes amid heightened tensions after missile attacks on the neighbouring United Arab Emirates by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis.

An Israeli official says the agreement with Bahrain is the first such pact that Israel has reached with one of its new allies in the Gulf.

Iran's foreign ministry accuses Bahrain of ignoring Israel's 'daily crimes' against Palestine.

The Israeli top diplomat touched down at Manama airport just over an hour before a Gulf Air A320 took off for the first commercial flight between the two countries.

Romain Grosjean managed to escape with only 'light burns' to his hands and ankles while his car split in two on impact and burst into flames.

The two nations have agreed to establish peaceful diplomatic relations and cooperate in the fields of the economy, civil aviation, finance, communications and agriculture.

Many feel the deal abandons the Palestinians.

US President Donald Trump says this is just the start, and that other Arab countries will soon follow suit.

It's a historic breakthrough for the White House and there was cautiously positive reaction from some Arab states although not everyone in the Middle East is delighted.