Knesset discussion of normalization with Bahrain, ending with a vote, just began

Knesset Speaker Levin says the Abraham Accords have "created a different Middle East, in which true peace has turned from a dream into a daily reality...The agreements w the UAE and Bahrain show how important it is to look at the reality in our region in a smart way."

Netanyahu is taking the opportunity to talk about efforts to get coronavirus vaccines for Israel

Netanyahu: Bahrain is a small country with big dreams. It
has oil and natural gas, but doesn't rely just on them, it has a free economy, a growing economy.

Netanyahu: More states will join the circle of peace. The
circle of peace will broaden with stability and growth, creating a great force facing off against radical Islam led by Iran.

Netanyahu speaking at length about his relationship with Biden and the importance of US bipartisan support for Israel, will give more details soon

OK. Some select details and quotes.
Netanyahu scoffed at Yair Lapid saying that he ruined ties with the Democrats.
"I made onstop efforts to strengthen the ties w the US across the whole political spectrum
w presidents w congress senate public opinion."

As for Biden specifically, Netanyahu once again touted their 40-year "warm" relationship going back to when Netanyahu was an attache at the Israeli Embassy to the US, and congratulated him and Harris, but did not use the term "president."

Netanyahu said 2 moments are "engraved in [his] heart:" Biden called him when his father died and that he fondly remembers what Biden said, and also said that he called Biden when his son Beau died, and they had a long phone call.

Netanyahu also said that when he is on Capitol Hill, he meets with Reps and Senators of both parties and he meets all members of Congress visiting Israel, regardless of party. Says he's known Schumer for ~40 yrs, met Pelosi and Hoyer 4x each, Harris once when she visited Israel.

Netanyahu said he stands up for Israel's interests and that disagreements with the Obama admin "did not hurt or destroy the US-Israel relationship. Our alliance is strong even when there are disagreements." Points out under Obama US gave IL largest military aid package ever.

Netanyahu: I don't stand for Republicans or Democrats, i stand only for the State of Israel and will continue w the next govt. That is how a PM of Israel has to act. Not bowing his head or obsequiously, but not arrogantly, as someone fighting for his people, his land, & his state