Azerbaijan: Crucial mediator defusing Israel-Türkiye tensions in Syria Article by Fulya Özerkan

An article by Turkish journalist Fulya Özerkan, published in the American magazine Barron’s, highlights Azerbaijan’s increasingly pivotal role as a mediator in the complex relations between Türkiye and Israel. Against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, Azerbaijan is leveraging its strategic ties with both countries to ease tensions and foster dialogue, particularly concerning their operations in Syria. In light of this, Caliber.Az presents a slightly adapted version of Özerkan’s report.

"With growing influence after its recapture of Karabakh from Armenian separatists in 2023, Azerbaijan is using its close ties with Israel and Türkiye to defuse tensions between the regional foes in Syria.

Head of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy Affairs Department Hikmet Hajiyev confirmed that Baku has hosted more than three rounds of talks between Türkiye and Israel, who are both operating in Syria to reduce what they see as security threats.

"Azerbaijan is making diplomatic efforts for an agreement," Hajiyev told Turkish journalists in Baku on a visit organised by the Istanbul-based Global Journalism Council.

"Both Türkiye and Israel trust us."

The overthrow of Bashar al-Assad sparked security concerns in Israel. It has accused Ankara of seeking to turn Syria into a Turkish protectorate, raising fears of a confrontation.

As a close ally and strategic partner of Türkiye, Azerbaijan has consistently aligned itself with Ankara's positions on key international matters, including the Syrian issue.

But it also enjoys good relations with Israel, which is very reliant on Azerbaijani oil, and is a major arms supplier to Baku.

And now Baku, which has established contacts with Syria's new rulers, is pushing quiet diplomacy by facilitating technical talks between Türkiye and Israel.

"We are successful if the two parties agree on a common model that respects each other's concerns," Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Baku-based Centre for Analysis of International Relations, told AFP.

"Syria, and especially its northern territories, is the Turkish security concern because of the presence of terrorist groups," notably Kurdish fighters, he said.

Türkiye wants to control northern Syria but also to "have a stronger presence" around the Palmyra and T4 airbases to ensure security around Damascus, he added.

Ties between Türkiye and Israel have been shattered by Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, with Ankara insisting the talks were only technical.

"As long as the war in Gaza continues, Türkiye will not normalise ties with Israel," a senior Turkish official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Türkiye has suspended trade with Israel over the war in Gaza.

Azerbaijan's Hajiyev said Baku had won valuable support from Israel during the Karabakh conflict.

"We bought weapons from Israel during the war, we paid for them, and Israel gave us diplomatic support," he said.

"Azeri oil is coming to Ceyhan, but once that oil is loaded onto ships that sail on the open seas, you cannot control the final destination," he said.

"These are the rules of the world oil market."

In facilitating Türkiye-Israel dialogue on Syria, Azerbaijan is playing a "strategic role", said Zaur Mammadov, chairman of the Baku Political Scientists Club.

"(It) reflects Azerbaijan's growing influence as a mediator... among regional actors," he said.

Baku is now trying to normalise ties with Yerevan, which, if successful, would be a major breakthrough in a region where major actors, including Russia and Türkiye, all jostle for influence.

Turkish analyst Serkan Demirtas said Azerbaijan had stepped in to head off a potential clash between Türkiye and Israel over their opposing security concerns in Syria.

"A confrontation between its two best allies in the region is a situation Azerbaijan does not want at all," he said.

"Incoming news shows that progress has been made. This indicates the growing influence of Azerbaijan in the region."

By Aghakazim Guliyev