Expert: Israeli Defense Minister's visit to Azerbaijan opens up new opportunities for cooperation

The recent visit of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant to Azerbaijan indicates that the interaction between the two countries has reached a new level of strategic partnership, Rostislav Goltsman, an Israeli journalist and publicist, head of the international relations commission of the Union of Journalists of Israel, told Report.

Goltsman noted that the importance of relations between Israel and Azerbaijan, especially in the military sphere, is confirmed by the meetings of Minister Yoav Galant not only with his Azerbaijani counterpart and the commander of the border troops, but also with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

“One of the important indicators of military cooperation between the two countries is the delivery of Israel's Iron Dome anti-aircraft missile system to Azerbaijan. This unique development of Israel is of interest to many countries. However, Azerbaijan became one of its first owners. This indicates the transition of relations to a new level and emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the military-technical sphere,” Goltsman said.

The Israeli journalist also stressed that the Israeli minister's visit at a time when a planned summit meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is being discussed makes it possible to talk about new prospects for air security and defense cooperation between the three countries.

The new axis, including Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Israel, is becoming a significant factor for all forces operating in the Middle East, he said.

"The airspace in this region is still controlled by Israeli aircraft, and with the addition of a military air control system being prepared by Türkiye and Azerbaijan, a vast zone of military control will be created, covering the area from Cyprus to the Caspian Sea and beyond. In general, the visit of Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant to Baku and the high-level meetings between Israel, Türkiye and Azerbaijan testify to the strengthening and expansion of their military cooperation,” the expert added.