Azerbaijan and Israel: A Strategic Alliance in the Middle East

Introduction

The strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Israel has emerged as a significant geopolitical alliance in a complex region marked by historical conflicts and security challenges. In the quest for stability, security, and economic growth, both nations have recognized the benefits of forging strong ties. Israel’s “Periphery Doctrine,” a historical strategy aimed at cultivating relationships with non-Arab states on the fringes of the Middle East, has played a pivotal role in shaping its interest in Azerbaijan (Bashirova & Sozen, 2017). Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s pragmatic foreign policy approach and pursuit of strategic alliances have driven its engagement with Israel (Göksel, 2015).

As two nations with distinct backgrounds, cultures, and geopolitical imperatives, Azerbaijan and Israel have found common ground in their pursuit of shared objectives. This article explores the multifaceted dynamics of the Azerbaijan-Israel partnership, delving into the historical context of their relationship and the driving forces behind their collaboration. From security concerns to economic interests, we will examine the factors that have led to the development of this strategic alliance and its significance for both countries and the broader region.

Intrinsically tied to regional security considerations, the Azerbaijan-Israel partnership goes beyond conventional diplomatic relations. The historical enmity between Israel and some of Azerbaijan’s neighboring countries, particularly Iran, has shaped their collaboration. As Iran’s influence continues to be a focal point of concern for both nations, they have recognized the strategic benefits of aligning their interests to counter potential threats.

At the heart of this partnership lies the concept of “Periphery 2.0,” Israel’s renewed endeavor to establish alliances with nations beyond its immediate Arab neighbors (Guzansky, 2014). As the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East undergoes transformational shifts, both Azerbaijan and Israel have sought new avenues to enhance their security and economic cooperation, contributing to the evolving dynamics of regional power.

Additionally, energy security has played a critical role in shaping the relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel (Bollyn, 2001). With Israel’s energy needs, Azerbaijan’s significance as a major supplier of oil cannot be understated. The exploration of potential energy projects and the establishment of energy corridors have further cemented their economic ties.

In this article, we will analyze how Azerbaijan’s pragmatism, driven by its quest for independence and security, has played a key role in fostering the partnership with Israel. Equally important are the geopolitical implications of this alliance for the region, including its impact on Iran and other regional players.

As we delve into the multifaceted aspects of the Azerbaijan-Israel partnership, we will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of their collaboration, the driving forces behind their alliance, and the potential implications for regional dynamics. By understanding the historical context and contemporary motivations, we can better appreciate the significance of this strategic alliance amidst the ever-changing geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Azerbaijan’s pragmatic approach

Azerbaijan’s foreign policy towards Israel has been driven by pragmatism, particularly in the aftermath of its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 (Marcus, 2009). At that critical juncture, Azerbaijan faced imminent danger due to the ongoing military conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The country’s weak economy and primarily Russia-oriented trade links necessitated a strategic approach.

Recognizing the opportunity to break or weaken Russian influence, Israel became a valuable partner for Azerbaijan, providing essential skills, know-how, and financial assistance to steer towards a sustainable, developed, and independent future (Murinson, 2014, p.24). The advanced technological capabilities of Israel, its potential as a gateway to the Western world, and the financial aid it extended played crucial roles in forging this relationship, which held immense importance for Azerbaijan.

Moreover, Israeli support in military affairs played a pivotal role in shaping this partnership (Lindenstrauss, 2015). Following its military defeat against Armenia, Azerbaijan found itself in a vulnerable position, with Armenia being backed by Iran and Russia during the conflict. It was at this point that Israel stepped in, providing military equipment and training to the Azerbaijani armed forces, aiding in their recovery from the defeat.

The importance of enlisting the support of the Jewish lobby on behalf of Azerbaijan increased significantly after the Armenian lobby’s influence on US decision-making during the Nagorno-Karabakh war. This influence led to the passage of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act in 1992, which banned foreign aid to Azerbaijan. As a result, Azerbaijan turned to Israeli firms for military equipment, with Israel’s advanced weaponry convincingly demonstrating the benefits of a strategic partnership (Murinson, 2010).

Economic cooperation has also played a vital role in strengthening the relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel. Israel’s assistance in modernizing Azerbaijan’s economy, particularly in the petroleum sector, has led to increased job opportunities and economic growth. The cooperation has extended to various sectors, including telecommunications, agriculture, construction, tourism, heavy machinery, and high-tech industries (Göksel, 2015).

Agriculture, being Azerbaijan’s second-largest production sector after oil, has greatly benefited from Israeli training and technical assistance, facilitating its modernization. As evident from the trade figures, the economic ties between Israel and Azerbaijan have flourished in recent times. In the initial two months of 2023, the trade turnover between the two nations reached US$334.1 million, witnessing a substantial increase of 26.36% compared to the same period in 2022. Furthermore, Israel’s share in Azerbaijan’s total trade turnover saw notable growth of 4.66%. The Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Deek, expressed optimism, expecting bilateral trade to double in the current year, particularly benefiting manufacturing exporters (Middle East Briefing, 2023). However, it is worth noting that the actual volume of economic activities might be even higher, considering that Israeli firms often prefer to be registered as US or UK branches when entering the Azerbaijan market.

The close political and economic ties between Israel and the USA, and the influence of the Jewish lobby in Washington, have been beneficial for Azerbaijan in terms of attracting foreign direct investment and gaining US support. Several influential Jewish lobby groups in the USA have supported close ties between Azerbaijan and the USA (Lindenstrauss, 2015 p.77).

The Iran Factor

The Azerbaijan-Israel partnership is deeply influenced by the role of Iran, which has indirectly triggered security concerns for both nations, leading to their collaboration against a perceived common threat. While economic interests do play a part in their relationship, the strategic aspect centered on containing Iran’s influence remains paramount.

The historical context of both Israel and Azerbaijan reveals a shared experience of acute national security issues since gaining independence, shaping their foreign policies as extensions of their national security strategies. Israel’s interest in Azerbaijan can be traced back to its earlier foreign policy based on the “periphery strategy,” aiming to form alliances with non-Arab nations on the fringes of the Middle East. The common thread of deep mistrust between Israel and Iran has left both countries uncertain about each other’s intentions, leading to fears of potential attacks being plotted against them. For Iran, a major cause of concern is Azerbaijan’s amicable relations with Israel, which, in Tehran’s view, extend beyond what is considered safe for its national security. The fear is that Azerbaijan could potentially serve as a base for Israel to gather intelligence or plan military actions against Iran, intensifying worries over arms trade and intelligence sharing between the two countries. The steady influx of cutting-edge weaponry from Israel to Azerbaijan since 2012, along with the modernization and upgrading of Azerbaijan’s military, is perceived by Iran as a significant threat to its own security (Souleimanov et al., 2014, p.480).

The Iran factor has emerged as a dominant driver of the Azerbaijan-Israel relationship. Iran’s hostility towards Israel and its uneasy relations with Azerbaijan, particularly concerning territorial issues and ethnic connections with the Azeri minority, have created tensions between the two neighboring nations (Murinson, 2012). Iran perceives the notion of an independent Azerbaijan as a direct threat to its territorial integrity and national unity. Both nations view Iran’s aspirations and the potential desire of Azeris in Iran (the largest minority, accounting for approximately one-fifth of Iran’s population) to secede and form a “Greater Azerbaijan” as a fundamental challenge in their relations with Iran. This issue serves as a pivotal point of contention between Iran and Azerbaijan, further solidifying their bond with Israel, as they share apprehensions about Iran’s regional ambitions.

Despite Iranian pressure and threats, Azerbaijan remains determined to strengthen its ties with Israel, underscoring the perceived benefits of this strategic partnership. Iran’s attempts to forge stronger ties with Azerbaijan have not dissuaded Baku from pursuing cooperation with Israel, signifying the significance Azerbaijan places on this relationship. The inauguration of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Tel Aviv on March 29, 2023, marks a significant milestone and can be viewed as the pinnacle of relations between the two nations. The Azerbaijan-Israel partnership is seen as a strategic means to counter Iran’s influence in the region. Both countries share strategic interests in containing Iran’s ideological and geopolitical ambitions, which has formed a strong foundation for their relationship.

While economic interests, particularly in energy projects, have contributed to their ties, the primary focus remains on the security aspect. The literature has somewhat overshadowed the significance of economic interests in the face of the dominant “Iran factor” influencing the Azerbaijan-Israel partnership. Nonetheless, the blend of economic and security interests has fostered a resilient and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.

Israel’s Periphery 2.0. doctrine

Since its establishment, Israel has navigated a complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, facing challenges from a hostile neighborhood and evolving regional dynamics. To address these concerns, Israel devised the “Periphery Doctrine” in its early years. The strategic approach sought to build relationships with states and minority groups beyond its immediate Arab neighbors (Guzansky, 2014). While initially successful, over time, the ties with these states weakened, prompting Israel to embark on a new endeavor, known as “Periphery 2.0,” to establish vital alliances in the face of a changing geopolitical landscape.

During its formative years, the Periphery Doctrine was instrumental in balancing pan-Arabism, bolstering security, and enhancing economic ties while mitigating isolation. By engaging with states outside the Arab world, Israel aimed to carve out a place for itself in the region and ensure its survival amidst hostile neighbors. However, as regional dynamics shifted and relations with the original peripheral states deteriorated, Israel sought new partners to advance its strategic interests. Notably, the once-strong relationship with Turkey, the last remaining member of the initial Periphery Doctrine, experienced significant strain, necessitating a fresh approach to forge new regional alliances (Alpher, 2010).

In response to the evolving landscape, Israel launched the Periphery 2.0 strategy, which focuses on identifying partners with whom it shares common security and economic interests. This second phase of the doctrine has led Israel to cultivate robust relationships with countries such as Greece, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, and South Sudan (Guzansky, 2014). These partnerships are built on shared objectives, including intelligence sharing, joint military training, and the promotion of economic cooperation.

Azerbaijan’s relationship with Israel can be understood in the context of Israel’s Periphery 2.0 doctrine. This bilateral relationship has evolved over two decades, characterized by shared interests, mutual desire for Israeli weaponry and technology, and strategic considerations. One significant impetus for Azerbaijan’s interest in strengthening ties with Israel has been to garner support from the Jewish lobby in the US Congress, serving as a counterbalance to the influence of the Armenian lobby. This became particularly crucial after the passage of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act in 1992, which banned foreign aid to Azerbaijan due to perceived actions against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

From Israel’s perspective, Azerbaijan holds strategic importance as a major supplier of oil, providing approximately 40% of Israel’s oil needs through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (Briefing, 2023). Additionally, Azerbaijan’s shared border with Iran presents Israel with unique opportunities for intelligence gathering. Reports suggest that Israel has contributed to the training of Azeri airport security forces and senior government personnel’s personal security forces, further solidifying their security cooperation. Furthermore, a significant arms supply deal was signed between the two countries in 2012, encompassing unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite systems.

Israel’s energy need

The significance of energy in shaping Azerbaijan-Israel relations has often been overshadowed by the focus on security concerns and the perceived threat posed by Iran. However, energy has played a substantial role in forging the ties between these two countries, especially considering Israel’s historical concerns about its energy security. With limited domestic energy reserves and being unable to access oil from many major oil-producing countries in the region due to hostile relations, Israel had to import oil from various countries during the Cold War. However, the landscape changed after 1991 when Israel shifted its focus to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including countries like Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, which offered more economically viable oil imports (Mihailescu, 2004).

The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline project emerged as a promising solution to Israel’s energy security concerns. The pipeline would carry Caspian oil from Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey to the Mediterranean, potentially connecting to Israeli infrastructure. This represented a strategic opportunity for Israel to diversify its energy sources and enhance its energy security, while also fostering closer ties with Azerbaijan.

The energy rivalry between Baku and Tehran in the Caspian Sea is another crucial aspect influencing Azerbaijan-Israel relations. Iranian naval incursions into Azerbaijani territorial waters and disruptions of Azerbaijani energy-reserve exploration efforts by Iranian military vessels illustrate the intensity of this economic competition (Murinson, 2008). This rivalry is intricately linked with the geopolitical and diplomatic positions of Iran and Azerbaijan on the international stage.

In the context of these contrasting foreign policy approaches, the BTC pipeline project can be viewed as a concerted Western effort, supported by Israel and Turkey, to establish alternative energy corridors that reduce international dependence on Iranian energy. By diversifying energy supplies and diminishing Iran’s influence in the global energy market, this project assumes strategic importance for both Israel and Azerbaijan.

In addition to the oil-related endeavors, Israel has put forward various proposals for projects aimed at purchasing natural gas from Azerbaijan. One such proposal involved the construction of a separate parallel gas pipeline to the existing BTC pipeline. Subsequently, this idea materialized into what is now known as the ‘South Caucasus gas pipeline’ or the ‘Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline.’ Operational since 2007, this pipeline efficiently carries an average of 7 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from the Shah Deniz field in Azerbaijan, through Georgia and Turkey, ultimately reaching the Mediterranean Sea, and providing access to the global market (Hafner et al, 2012).

Another notable Israeli proposition revolves around a multi-purpose undersea pipeline, planned to stretch from the Ceyhan port to Israel via the Mediterranean Sea. This ambitious project aims not only to facilitate the transportation of oil and natural gas but also water and electricity. Presented to the Turkish government in July 2008, the realization of this pipeline project is envisioned to involve significant contributions from both Azerbaijan and Israel. If materialized, this endeavor could significantly enhance regional energy cooperation and diversify the energy supply routes in the area, fostering stronger ties between Azerbaijan and Israel (Murison, 2008).

Conclusion

The strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Israel stands as a testament to the power of pragmatism and shared interests in shaping regional alliances. As both nations confront complex security challenges and geopolitical uncertainties, their collaboration has evolved to encompass a wide array of strategic, economic, and energy-related interests.

Israel’s historical “Periphery Doctrine” laid the groundwork for its interest in Azerbaijan, reflecting its quest to establish ties with non-Arab states on the fringes of the Middle East. The Azerbaijan-Israel partnership, or “Periphery 2.0,” has emerged as a natural extension of this strategy, with both nations recognizing the advantages of forging ties beyond their immediate geographical confines.

Azerbaijan’s pragmatic foreign policy approach, driven by the need for independence and security, has been a driving force in fostering the alliance with Israel. Despite the challenges posed by Iran and other regional players, Azerbaijan’s pursuit of strategic cooperation with Israel has underscored the benefits of their shared objectives in containing potential threats.

Economic interests, particularly in the realm of energy security, have also played a pivotal role in strengthening the Azerbaijan-Israel partnership. With Israel’s energy needs and Azerbaijan’s significance as a major supplier of oil, both nations have found mutual benefit in exploring energy projects and establishing vital energy corridors.

Moreover, the Azerbaijan-Israel alliance has extended beyond conventional diplomatic relations, encompassing military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and economic collaborations. The shared commitment to countering regional challenges has further solidified their bond, elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership with significant geopolitical implications..

As we reflect on the multifaceted dynamics of the Azerbaijan-Israel alliance, it is evident that their shared pursuit of security, prosperity, and stability has cemented their relationship on a solid foundation. Looking ahead, the partnership between these two nations will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region and contributing to the pursuit of common interests for years to come.

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