End of Israeli President's Visit to Baku; Emphasis on Cooperation Against Iranian Hostility

Israeli President Isaac Herzog concluded his visit to Baku on Wednesday, June 1, 2023, emphasizing the enhancement of defense cooperation between the two countries, stating: "Israel and Azerbaijan both face hostility from Iran." According to the Jerusalem Post, Herzog referenced the shooting at the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran, saying: "Azerbaijan has been aware of Iran's enmity towards it since the establishment of this republic." In a press conference, Herzog stressed that the relationship between Israel and Azerbaijan is not solely about Iran and defense issues, but also encompasses topics such as "trade, tourism, and energy." Azerbaijan is Israel's largest fuel supplier, accounting for more than one-third of Israel's oil imports. Herzog mentioned that Baku is also looking to compete with Georgia in attracting Israeli tourism, and President Aliyev intends to increase the number of weekly flights between Israel and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan closed its embassy in Tehran last January following an armed attack on its embassy, claiming that the Iranian intelligence service was behind the attack, a claim that Tehran denies. Herzog discussed the threat posed by the Islamic Republic in the region with the presidents of Azerbaijan and Israel. A senior Israeli military official stated that negative developments in Iran's nuclear program would lead to "action." Pashinyan stated that Armenia "conditionally" recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani officials have arrested at least nine individuals on suspicion of connections to the Islamic Republic.