After Aliyev's remarks, the question mark in people's minds: Where does the Azerbaijan-Israel friendship come from?

11.04.2025 13:30

Azerbaijan's President Aliyev, who stated that Turkey and Israel are close friends of Azerbaijan, expressed that any misunderstanding between these two countries concerns them. Following these explosive remarks, everyone began to ask, "Where does the Azerbaijan-Israel friendship come from?" Details in our news...

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Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev made a striking statement at the international forum titled "Towards a New World Order" held at ADA University. Noting that Turkey and Israel are close friends of Azerbaijan, Aliyev expressed that this mutual friendship has been tested by various difficult situations for many years. Following this bombshell statement, everyone began to ask, "Where does the Azerbaijan-Israel friendship come from?"

THEY REMAIN SILENT ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN GAZA

The conflicts in Gaza have led to a strong reaction from most Muslim countries against Israel, while Azerbaijan's silence is noteworthy. The Baku administration has maintained its strong diplomatic, military, and commercial ties with Israel for many years. Azerbaijan's stance is particularly evaluated within the framework of common geopolitical interests and strategic collaborations against Iran.

THEY SUPPORTED IN THE NAGORNO-KARABAKH WAR

Israel is one of Azerbaijan's largest oil buyers. Similarly, during the Nagorno-Karabakh war with Armenia in 2020, the drones and defense systems provided to Azerbaijan by the Tel Aviv administration played a critical role in Baku's success on the battlefield. Since then, military cooperation between the two countries has deepened further. Beyond that, intelligence sharing, joint technology projects, and mutual investments between Azerbaijan and Israel also form a solid foundation for their relations. While Israeli companies play an active role in the reconstruction of Karabakh, direct flights and diplomatic contacts between the two countries have also increased.

TENSIONS BETWEEN TEHRAN AND BAKU...

The Iranian factor makes this relationship even more strategic. The long-standing tension between Tehran and Baku has pushed Azerbaijan to get closer to a regional actor like Israel. Iran's support for Armenia and tensions related to religious groups in Azerbaijan have turned Baku's relationship with Tel Aviv into a security policy.

STRATEGY "TRIUMPHED" OVER "MASSACRE"

Although there are criticisms against Israel in the Azerbaijani public and opposition circles, these relations are maintained at the government level in line with strategic interests. President Ilham Aliyev's administration prefers to conduct its ties with Israel quietly and steadily. While the government provides symbolic support to Palestine, the restriction of anti-Israel protests in the public sphere is indicative of this approach.

THEY DIFFER ON THIS ISSUE WITH TURKEY

Even one of Azerbaijan's closest allies, like Turkey, has made strong criticisms against Israel, and Baku's stance is being closely monitored. However, the Baku administration is reluctant to abandon this cooperation due to the historical and strategic nature of its relations with Israel. As a result, Azerbaijan views its relations with Israel not only as important for economic and military reasons but also as a significant strategic partnership in terms of regional balance and security policy. The silence exhibited in the face of the war in Gaza is seen as a reflection of this extensive cooperation.