Netanyahu to Visit Azerbaijan Next Month Amid Regional Tensions
Meeting with Azerbaijani President
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Azerbaijan next month for a key meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in Baku. This meeting comes as Azerbaijan has emerged as a significant political player in the region, particularly in the face of escalating tensions with Iran.
The agenda for the discussions will likely include the potential inclusion of Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states, as well as ongoing negotiations between Israel and Turkey concerning developments in Syria. Strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing ties with Central Asia are also expected to be on the table.
Azerbaijanโs Role as a Mediator
Azerbaijan’s role has become increasingly pivotal in recent geopolitical shifts, especially after it acted as a mediator to stabilize regional tensions following a visit by Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Aliyev has been engaging with other regional leaders, including Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoฤan and Syriaโs new President Mohammad al-Shaar, positioning Azerbaijan as a crucial diplomatic link capable of connecting multiple players in the area.
Security Concerns regarding Iran
Recent reports have highlighted security concerns stemming from Iranian-sponsored activities within Azerbaijan. In January, Azerbaijan’s State Security Servstart thwarted a terrorist attack reportedly orchestrated by Iran targeting a prominent Jewish community leader, Rabbi Shneur Segal.
The Washington Post reported that the assailant sent by Iran’s Quds Force was identified as a Georgian drug dealer named Agil Aslanov, who was instructed to carry out the assassination for a fee of $200,000. Aslanov and a local associate were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism. They had also planned to target educational institutions.
Continued Threats from Iran
Azerbaijan has seen several thwarted attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets in recent years. Iranian authorities have been suspected of involvement in assassination attempts, including a March 2023 attack on local lawmaker Fazil Mustafa, known for his staunch opposition to the Islamic Republic.
Mustafa sustained injuries during a shooting incident near his home, which authorities classified as a terrorist attack. He alleged that the assailants were paid by their “masters” in Iran. Five individuals involved in the assassination attempt were convicted over the summer and received sentences ranging from four years to life in prison.
Tensions Between Azerbaijan and Iran
Azerbaijan, located directly north of Iran, has experienced strained relations with its neighbor for years. Contributing factors include Iran’s treatment of its sizable Azerbaijani minority, Tehranโs support for ArmeniaโAzerbaijanโs historical adversaryโand the strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel, which provides significant military support.
In early 2023, Azerbaijan closed its embassy in Tehran following an attack at the diplomatic mission that resulted in the death of its chief of security and injuries to two other guards. Iran claimed the incident stemmed from personal motives rather than diplomatic conflicts. Despite previous expulsions of diplomats amidst rising tensions, Azerbaijan reopened its embassy in Iran last July after lengthy negotiations aimed at easing relations.
This article presents a balanced overview of the upcoming visit by Prime Minister Netanyahu to Azerbaijan, highlighting diplomatic dynamics and the ongoing regional issues centered around Iran