The conceptual paper, “Azerbaijan: One of the Pillars of Israel’s Regional Security System – A Brief Overview for the Trump Administration”, published on January 15, examines the long-standing strategic partnership between Israel and Azerbaijan from 1995 to 2024. It highlights Azerbaijan’s role in Israel’s energy security, defense industry, and intelligence cooperation against Iran. The publication sparked discussions among policymakers and analysts in Israel, the U.S., and India, gaining recognition from major think tanks and media outlets such as the Atlantic Council, Forbes, The National Interest, and The Jerusalem Post.

Key points include Azerbaijan’s unique position as a Muslim-majority country that has maintained and even strengthened ties with Israel despite regional pressures. The report argues for elevating Azerbaijan’s status within U.S. policy by integrating it into the Abraham Accords, repealing Section 907, and leveraging its experience in Muslim-Jewish relations to expand Israel’s regional alliances. It also suggests Azerbaijan’s potential role in the reconstruction of Gaza and the preservation of religious sites in the Middle East.

Bar-Ilan University professor Zeev (Vladimir) Khanin and Capt. (res.) Alexander Grinberg’s analysis emphasizes that Azerbaijan’s strategic value aligns with U.S. President Trump’s foreign policy goals, particularly in countering Iran and restructuring alliances in the Greater Middle East. Their paper concludes with recommendations for pro-Israel forces in the U.S. to reframe Azerbaijan’s image, increase cooperation, and integrate it into broader regional initiatives.

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