Turkey-Israel De-escalation Talks Begin in Azerbaijan Amid Syria Tensions
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Amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, Turkey and Israel have launched indirect talks in Azerbaijan aimed at preventing a military escalation in Syria, according to sources who spoke with Reuters.
A Turkish official confirmed that the dialogue marks the beginning of efforts to prevent clashes stemming from both countries’ operations in Syria, where their interests often overlap. “The talks are the beginning of the process,” said the source.
An Israeli source later corroborated the report, stating that Israel considers any foreign troop movements — especially Turkish bases near Palmyra (Tadmor) — a red line.
Turkey-Israel Relations Further Strained Over Gaza War
Already strained relations between the two countries have deteriorated significantly since the onset of the Israel-Gaza war. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the “butcher of Gaza,” and Turkey has officially backed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Despite this, both sides have engaged diplomatically through a mutual ally — Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Steps In as Diplomatic Bridge Between Longtime Allies
Azerbaijan, which maintains strong ties with both Turkey and Israel, is emerging as a key mediator. On Wednesday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed his country’s role in promoting normalization.
“Both countries are close friends of Azerbaijan,” Aliyev stated. “The normalization process should not stop, and we are doing everything we can to support it.”
Prominent American Rabbi Marc Schneier, known for his ties to the Aliyev administration, told Ynet that Azerbaijan is Israel’s most steadfast ally in the Muslim world. He added that Aliyev’s relationship with Israel and the global Jewish community is “genuine and deep-rooted.”
Baku’s History of Mediation and Regional Influence
This is not the first time Aliyev has played peacemaker between Turkey and Israel. He previously played a quiet role in the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 2022, after a decade-long freeze.
The strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Israel was also acknowledged by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently sent Aliyev a letter praising his efforts toward peace in the Caucasus and his alliance with Israel.
Cyprus Issue Also Resurfaces During Aliyev’s Visit to Turkey
Aliyev also made headlines during a visit to Antalya, where he met with Erdoğan and Ersin Tatar, the leader of Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus. During the visit, Aliyev voiced support for the self-declared republic, saying:
“Our brothers in Northern Cyprus deserve to have their own state — historically and by their actions.”
Although Azerbaijan has not officially recognized Northern Cyprus, pro-government outlet APA reported that Baku may soon host an event dedicated to its recognition, citing comments by Northern Cyprus Deputy Prime Minister Fikri Ataoğlu.