Day: January 26, 2025

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration places the security of Israel, its primary ally in the Middle East, at the forefront.

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Statements from President Trump and key advisors clearly indicate that his doctrine includes provisions for expanding the Abraham Accords with an emphasis on Saidi Arabia.

In this context, the Trump Administration and key Congressional supporters of Congress should judiciously direct its attention to those actors in the geopolitical landscape judiciously direct of the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Asia who have long-established strategic partnerships with Jerusalem and can positively impact the role of the Jewish state in Trump’s envisioned “new Middle East”.

Azerbaijan deserves special attention as it holds the longest and most comprehensive partnership with Israel among Muslim nations.

As Israel continues to strengthen its alliances in the Middle East, Azerbaijan deserves special attention as it holds the longest and most comprehensive partnership with Israel among Muslim nations and has emerged as a critical partner, playing a pivotal role in the Jewish state’s regional security, energy independence, and efforts to counter Iranian influence. With a partnership spanning over three decades, Azerbaijan stands out as a model of Muslim-Jewish cooperation and a key player in the geopolitical landscape of Western Asia.

As early as 2009, the Israeli ambassador in Baku noted that Azerbaijan could serve as a model for other Muslim countries in terms of relations with Israel.  In 2020, Dr. Baram from the Truman Research Institute at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem emphasized that: “…Azerbaijan has played a behind-the-scenes role in facilitating Israel’s relations with Gulf states and moderate Muslim countries as noted by Maariv in December 2024, Azerbaijan serves as a “successful model of coexistence” between Muslims and Jews.

A Vital Energy Partner

Since the 1990s, Azerbaijan has been a cornerstone of Israel’s energy security. Azerbaijani oil has powered Israel’s economy through challenging times, including the Second Intifada, and remains a vital resource for the country. During the 2024 war with Hamas and Hezbollah, Azerbaijan increased oil exports to Israel by 55%, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies for both civilian and military needs. According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, “Azerbaijan is an ally, a friend, and the largest supplier of energy resources to Israel.”

United Against Iran

It is symbolic that the foundation of this partnership to counter the Iranian threat was laid 30 years ago in the United States. In October 1995, during a meeting in New York with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, President Heydar Aliyev emphasized that his “country has a very long and tense border with Iran” and requested assistance in the field of security. In 1997, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Azerbaijan, where he held talks with Heydar Aliyev. This meeting gave a significant impetus to the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Azerbaijan and Israel share a mutual threat in Iran’s regime. The two nations have cooperated closely in intelligence and security efforts, with Azerbaijan serving as a strategic ally due to its proximity to Iran and shared concerns over Tehran’s ambitions. Israeli officials have frequently praised Azerbaijan for its steadfast support in countering Iranian influence. “We share a common dangerous enemy—the Iranian tyranny that threatens the destruction of both our peoples,” Israeli Knesset members stated in 2023.

A Model of Muslim-Jewish Cooperation

Beyond security, Azerbaijan serves as a rare example of harmonious Muslim-Jewish relations. It is one of the only Muslim-majority countries to maintain such a deep and comprehensive relationship with Israel. Historical examples of Jewish inclusion in Azerbaijan’s government and society reflect its progressive approach to coexistence. The 2022 opening of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Israel further symbolized its commitment to this partnership.

Mediation and Diplomacy

Azerbaijan has also played a mediating role between Turkey and Israel, leveraging its relationships with both nations to facilitate dialogue during periods of tension. According to Israeli officials, President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering stability in the region.

A Key Ally in the Abraham Accords Era

Azerbaijan’s special significance for the geopolitical interests of the United States stems from the fact that, since the 1990s, this Muslim-majority country has been one of the of the tacit pillars of Israel’s regional security framework.

As efforts to expand the Abraham Accords continue, Azerbaijan’s unique role as a Muslim-majority nation deeply allied with Israel highlights its potential to inspire other countries in the region. American and Israeli leaders have increasingly recognized Azerbaijan’s strategic importance in promoting peace and stability.

For Israel, Azerbaijan is more than just a partner—it is a pillar of its regional security framework. From energy to defense, diplomacy to coexistence, Azerbaijan’s contributions are ensuring a safer, more interconnected Middle East.

Among all Muslim countries, Azerbaijan has the longest-standing and most comprehensive partnership with Israel. “Here is an example of how Muslims and Jews work together to ensure a better future for both”, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in 2016.