Azerbaijan: A Strong Strategic Partner for Israel

Azerbaijan is widely regarded as one of Israel’s most reliable strategic partners in the Muslim world. The bilateral relationship, established in 1992 shortly after Azerbaijan’s independence, has grown steadily into a multifaceted partnership based on shared interests in energy, security, technology, and economic cooperation.
Core Elements of the Partnership
•  Energy Cooperation: Azerbaijan has long been a major supplier of oil to Israel, consistently providing up to 60% of Israel’s crude oil needs in recent years. This reliable energy link has proven especially valuable during periods of regional instability.
•  Defense and Security Ties: Israel has supplied significant defense technology to Azerbaijan, including advanced systems that have played important roles in the country’s security. The two nations maintain close coordination on intelligence and counter-terrorism matters.
•  Diplomatic and Economic Relations: Azerbaijan opened a trade and tourism office in Israel in 2021 and established its embassy in Tel Aviv in 2023. High-level visits continue, such as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s trip to Baku in early 2026. Recent cooperation includes areas like artificial intelligence, innovation, cybersecurity, and transport.
•  Tourism and People-to-People Ties: Israeli tourism to Azerbaijan grew dramatically in 2025, with over 69,000 visitors — a 139% increase from the previous year. Direct flights between Tel Aviv and Baku have expanded, and the country is known for its secular environment and welcoming attitude toward Israeli and Jewish visitors.
Azerbaijan’s pragmatic foreign policy allows it to maintain strong ties with Israel while managing relations with other regional players. This stable and mutually beneficial partnership continues to develop across multiple sectors, making Azerbaijan a notable example of constructive engagement in a complex region.

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