Azerbaijan-Israel-US: Paving way for powerful strategic triangle The Jerusalem Post article

In a recent article, The Jerusalem Post delves into the strengthening of Azerbaijani-Israeli relations, focusing on Israel's efforts to foster a robust Azerbaijan-US-Israel partnership. The piece also discusses Israel's push to include Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords. We are sharing this important material with Caliber.Az readers for their consideration.

Israel is actively engaged in discussions with the United States to build a strong trilateral partnership between Israel, Azerbaijan, and the US, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The announcement came in response to a motion raised by MK Simon Moshiashvili of the Shas party during a Knesset plenary session on "Upgrading the Strategic Alliance between Israel and Azerbaijan." The PMO stressed that Azerbaijan is a vital strategic ally for Israel in the Caucasus, with collaboration spanning across security, trade, technology, and energy sectors.

Representing the government, National Missions Minister Orit Strock emphasized that the relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan is founded on a unique partnership driven by shared interests and a long-standing friendship. "Israel will continue to strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan and the US and will stand firmly against any attempts to undermine it," she stated.

During the discussion, Moshiashvili highlighted the need for an upgraded strategic alliance with Azerbaijan and advocated for exploring the inclusion of Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords framework. He pointed out what he called an "absurd situation," where countries that were once at war with Israel have received various economic and security benefits after joining the Abraham Accords, while Azerbaijan—an integral partner in Israel’s regional security—remains under American sanctions.

Moshiashvili also underscored the importance of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan, calling it "an exemplary, active, thriving, and especially united community" that is the only Jewish community in a Muslim-majority country enjoying full governmental support. He noted that Azerbaijan is the only Muslim country where recognition of the State of Israel is not limited to the ruling elite but is deeply ingrained in the general population.

He shared a poignant moment, stating that even after the October 7 attacks, Muslim citizens of Azerbaijan visited the Israeli Embassy in Baku to express solidarity, bringing flowers and memorial candles.

In response, Strock emphasized that the growing dialogue between Israel and Azerbaijan is reflected through reciprocal visits, such as those of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan’s Presidential Aide Hikmet Hajiyev to Israel. "These relationships align with Israel's broader regional policy of strengthening alliances and building bridges with additional Muslim countries," Strock added.