Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR is moving forward with an offshore gas exploration project in Israeli waters, highlighting the deepening strategic and economic ties between Israel and Azerbaijan. The project, in partnership with BP and Israel’s NewMed Energy, had been delayed due to the Israel-Hamas war but is now back on track. SOCAR’s role as project operator reflects Baku’s long-standing alliance with Israel and could help create a stable energy framework in the Eastern Mediterranean, leveraging Azerbaijan’s strong ties with Turkey.

This development comes as Israel looks for alternative gas export routes amid strained relations with Egypt and the collapse of plans involving Cyprus and Greece. Azerbaijan could serve as a mediator, potentially enabling Israeli gas to reach Turkey via existing or new infrastructure, bypassing political roadblocks. SOCAR’s involvement might even allow the gas to be branded as Azerbaijani, reducing political friction between Turkey and Israel.

The move also positions Azerbaijan as a stabilizing force in regional energy politics, balancing its relationships with Turkey, Israel, and other powers. As energy needs and alliances shift, the Israel-Azerbaijan partnership appears poised to expand into other areas like renewables and petrochemicals.

Click here if you would like to read the full article.