Kuwaiti journalist Saleh Bahman who signed up to run in next month's general election called on the Gulf state to establish full diplomatic ties with Israel, saying it will improve the oil-rich emirate's standing in West. "Israel is a reality and has international influence... Kuwait would benefit from Israel's influence if we establish relations with them," the independent candidate said.

United States ally Kuwait has so far resisted pressure to end its boycott of Israel and has repeatedly said it will be the last Arab state to establish ties with the Jewish state after any peace deal with the Palestinian Authority. Earlier this year, a number of Kuwaiti lawmakers submitted a bill calling for a total ban on dealing with Israel and proposing hefty penalties for violators. The bill has not been yet been debated.