Aliyev: Azerbaijan quietly working to ease Turkey-Israel tensions

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Wednesday that Azerbaijan has been quietly engaged in efforts to help reduce tensions between Turkey and Israel, describing both countries as strategic partners and long-time friends.

“The alliance between Azerbaijan and Israel has existed de facto long before it became formal. Israel is a friendly nation to Azerbaijan, and over the years, this friendship has been tested and proven during difficult times for both countries. That is why the current tensions between Israel and Turkey are a matter of deep concern for us,” Aliyev said.

He revealed that Azerbaijan had played a key, though unpublicized, role in a previous round of reconciliation between Turkey and Israel, helping to restore diplomatic dialogue during earlier crises.

“In fact, I would say Azerbaijan was the leading force in that process. We didn’t seek credit or recognition—only to help two close partners resume dialogue,” he said.

Those efforts produced tangible results, such as the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Turkey and his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as Erdoğan’s later meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York.

Aliyev acknowledged that the region is again witnessing a return to strained relations. “It feels like déjà vu. But we know the diplomatic algorithm, and I can assure you, Azerbaijan is once again doing its best behind the scenes,” he said.

He emphasized that any current mediation efforts should remain confidential, respecting the sovereignty of both countries involved.

“Quiet diplomacy, built on trust and goodwill, is our method. We believe the tensions can be resolved and dialogue will prevail,” Aliyev said.

He added that conflicts between allies impact not just the countries involved, but also their partners and the wider region. Despite the current mistrust, Azerbaijan believes there is still room for constructive engagement.

“We support continued normalization, and Azerbaijan will do all it can to contribute to that goal,” he concluded.

N.Tebrizli