Israel Strengthens Ties with US and Azerbaijan Amid Regional Tensions

JERUSALEM, Israel — Israel is actively engaging in discussions with the United States to create a solid framework for trilateral cooperation involving Azerbaijan, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). This announcement follows a proposal made by Member of Knesset Simon Moshiashvili of the Shas party during a recent plenum session.

The PMO emphasized that Azerbaijan is a crucial strategic ally within the Caucasus region, with partnerships extending across security, trade, technology, and energy sectors. National Missions Minister Orit Strock spoke on behalf of the government, stating that the relationship is founded on mutual interests and lasting friendship.

“Israel will continue to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan and the US and will stand firmly against any attempts to undermine it,” Strock announced during the discussion on enhancing the strategic alliance with Azerbaijan. Moshiashvili underscored the urgency to elevate this relationship, suggesting that Azerbaijan should be incorporated into the framework established by the Abraham Accords.

“It is absurd that countries which once engaged in hostilities with Israel are receiving various incentives following the Abraham Accords, while Azerbaijan, a vital part of our regional security, remains subjected to US sanctions,” Moshiashvili stated. He highlighted the unique standing of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan, calling it “an exemplary, active, thriving, and especially united community,” and the only one enjoying full government support in a Muslim-majority state.

In a show of solidarity following the October 7 attacks, Azerbaijani Muslims visited the Israeli Embassy in Baku, bringing flowers and memorial candles to express their support. Strock noted that this strong dialogue between the nations has manifested through reciprocal visits, including those made by Israel’s President and Azerbaijan’s National Security Advisor.

“These relationships align with Israel’s broader regional policy of strengthening alliances and bridging relations with additional Muslim countries,” she added.

However, Iran is closely observing the expanding ties between Israel and Azerbaijan, expressing concerns over what it interprets as an increasing strategic partnership. An article published on Saturday by Iran Daily, an official publication of the Iranian presidential administration, described the situation as a “red alert,” prompting Iranian security institutions to monitor developments in the Caucasus region.

The piece highlighted Tehran’s apprehension regarding the deepening strategic relationship among Israel, the US, and Azerbaijan, which they fear could weaken Iran’s influence in the region. Reports from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies have characterized Azerbaijan as a foundational element of Israel’s regional security, underscoring three decades of collaboration in intelligence and energy.

Iran Daily raised the concern that the US might ease sanctions on Azerbaijan, imposed under Section 907 due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, potentially enabling enhanced military support for Baku and fostering closer ties with both Israel and the US. The article argued that Iranian officials dealing with national security should consider the recommendations from the BESA report, which it described as coming from a significant security think tank.

In contrast, Azerbaijan’s leadership continues to pursue diplomatic solutions, emphasizing the need for peace and mutual recognition of territorial integrity with Armenia. President Ilham Aliyev recently stated that despite not making territorial claims against its neighbors, Azerbaijan insists on respect for international borders and territorial sovereignty.