Gantz praises the security cooperation between 'Israel' and Azerbaijan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
20 Nov 2022 16:43

Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz thanks Azerbaijani Defense Minister Siddiqui Zakir Hasanov for Baku's decision to open an embassy in "Israel."

Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz

Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz thanked Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, via a phone conversation on Sunday, thanking him for the "important decision" taken by the Baku parliament to open an embassy in "Israel."

Gantz also thanked Azerbaijan in a Twitter post, for "strengthening joint security cooperation over the past years."

He said, "This decision reflects the deep friendship between 'Israel' and Azerbaijan, and I am sure that it will continue to develop and positively affect stability in the region."

Furthermore, Breaking Defense magazine stated, in early September, that "in light of the signing of a new nuclear agreement, 'Israel' is looking for new ways to challenge Tehran, including strengthening defense relations with Azerbaijan."

It is noteworthy that "Israel" and Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations 30 years ago, and include military ties, as "Israel" imports fuel from Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan buys Israeli weapons and technology.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, about 60% of Azerbaijan's defense imports in the years 2015-2019 came from "Israel", while in 2020 this figure jumped to about 70%.

Moreover, last May, amid regional tensions with Iran, reports emerged of Azerbaijan's purchase of the Israeli Iron Dome missile defense batteries.