Azerbaijan works to calm tensions between Israel and Turkey: "Have you gone mad?"
In Israel, there is a lack of trust in the American envoy Berk, and if there is a diplomatic actor that enjoys the trust of both countries, it is Azerbaijan, which has already initiated a direct dialogue that led to a coordination mechanism in Syria. An Azerbaijani source: "Both you and Turkey are our friends. It is important to lower the tension immediately."
Azerbaijan is working behind the scenes to calm tensions between Israel and Turkey, according to Israeli sources. This effort follows a week of heightened friction, marked by an attack on a base in Syria, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "Don't" statement directed at Turkey, and the issuance of an arrest warrant and "Red Notice" by Turkish authorities against Netanyahu.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev previously initiated a direct dialogue between Israel and Turkey in April 2025. At that time, a Turkish delegation led by MIT intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and an Israeli delegation led by then-National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi held meetings in Baku under Aliyev's auspices. The parties agreed to institutionalize an operational coordination mechanism for both countries in Syria, which proved effective for a long period. Efforts are now underway to revive this mechanism and renew dialogue to prevent miscalculations that could lead to escalation.
A source familiar with the matter stated that Azerbaijan is deeply concerned about the tension between Israel and Turkey, as both are its allies.
"You and Turkey, have you gone mad? You are our friends and Turkey are also our friends," said an Azerbaijani source. "What will we do if you, God forbid, start fighting? Therefore, it is important to lower the tension immediately."
The United States is also working behind the scenes to lower tensions, but there is a distinct lack of trust in Israel regarding American envoy Tom Berk, whose recent interview statements triggered an unusual response from Defense Minister Israel Katz. Consequently, Azerbaijan remains the diplomatic actor that enjoys the trust of both nations, having previously proven its ability to bridge gaps. Azerbaijan, which is already providing humanitarian aid to Syria, is interested in regional normalization due to its energy potential and is therefore keen to prevent a confrontation between Israel and Turkey.
