Azerbaijan Mediates to Ease Rising Tensions Between Israel and Turkey

Azerbaijan is actively working behind the scenes to calm escalating tensions between Israel and Turkey following a week of heightened conflict. This period included an attack on a Syrian base, statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and arrest warrants issued by Turkey. Israeli sources confirm Azerbaijan's mediation efforts, with one official expressing deep concern, stating, "You and Turkey have gone crazy? You are our friends and Turkey is also our friend. What will we do if you start fighting? It is crucial to immediately reduce the tension."

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev previously initiated direct dialogue in April 2025 in Baku, where Israeli and Turkish delegations agreed to establish an operational coordination mechanism in Syria that functioned effectively. Given Azerbaijan's interest in regional normalization and Syria's energy potential, efforts are underway to revive this mechanism to prevent further deterioration.

Alongside Azerbaijan's initiatives, the United States is also attempting to de-escalate the situation. However, there is mistrust in Israel toward U.S. envoy Tom Barrett, whose recent interview remarks provoked an unusual response from Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz. Consequently, Azerbaijan is viewed as a unique diplomatic actor enjoying full trust from both Israel and Turkey.