Azerbaijan steps in: Mediator between Israel, Türkiye in complex diplomacy Article by Ynet News

Israel-based Ynet News has published an article, focusing on Azerbaijan's mediating role in the Israeli-Turkish dialogue. Caliber.Az presents an analysis of the article.

The article delves into the delicate and complex relationship between Türkiye, Israel, and Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on Azerbaijan's crucial role as a mediator between Israel and Türkiye. The piece highlights both the diplomatic tensions between Türkiye and Israel and Azerbaijan's efforts to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation between the two nations, underscoring Azerbaijan’s significant role in international diplomacy.

Azerbaijan is portrayed as a key player in mediating the dialogue between Türkiye and Israel. Despite Türkiye's ongoing campaign to diplomatically isolate Israel on various international platforms, the article stresses that both Türkiye and Israel acknowledge the necessity of continued talks. This dynamic reflects Azerbaijan’s strategy of fostering peace and cooperation in the region, using its unique position to bridge gaps between Muslim-majority countries and Israel. The article underscores that Azerbaijan’s efforts are likely to persist, with the understanding that both Türkiye and Israel require dialogue for their respective national interests. 

The article outlines several recent actions taken by Türkiye to block Israel's participation in international forums, demonstrating a clear diplomatic strategy aimed at curbing Israel’s influence. Notably, Türkiye blocked Israel’s involvement in NATO exercises and opposed the appointment of an Israeli company as an observer to the UN's World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), citing a lack of consensus.

The piece emphasizes Azerbaijan’s consistent role in enhancing relations between Israel and Türkiye, citing examples from past efforts, including President Ilham Aliyev’s mediation of meetings between Israeli and Turkish leaders. Rabbi Marc Schneier, an influential American rabbi with ties to Azerbaijan, is quoted, offering insights into why President Aliyev is so committed to this mediation.

Schneier, the rabbi of Hampton Synagogue and an advisor to several Gulf monarchs, attributes Aliyev’s efforts to his belief in regional stability, his long-standing commitment to fostering Jewish-Muslim relations, and his personal trust with both Israel and Türkiye.

The article points out that, of the 57 Muslim-majority countries, Azerbaijan stands as Israel’s most significant supporter in the Muslim world. This support is framed as part of a broader strategy to strengthen interfaith dialogue and cooperation, particularly between Muslims and Jews. The piece also connects Azerbaijan’s diplomatic actions to the broader context of the Abraham Accords, suggesting that President Aliyev’s mediation efforts align with regional trends towards normalization of relations between Israel and Arab/Muslim-majority nations.