Israeli media: ISIS plot against Israeli embassy in Baku foiled after FM Saar’s visit

Published: 2026-01-28 08:22

"The State Security Service of Azerbaijan (DTX) announced this morning (Tuesday) a dramatic foiling of a planned terrorist attack against the Israeli embassy in Baku. According to the official announcement, local forces arrested a squad of three terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) from the ‘Vilayat Khorasan’ branch, moments before they carried out a combined attack of gunfire and explosive devices. The foiling comes at a particularly sensitive time: only yesterday (Monday) did Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conclude a state visit to the Azerbaijani capital, during which he met with President Ilham Aliyev. Security sources estimate that the arrest was made shortly after the Israeli delegation arrived, following extensive intelligence activity by local security services," the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported.

Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox outlet Kikar noted: "The incident joins previous threats that have been registered recently against Jewish and Israeli targets in the country. As you may recall, last November the Conference of European Rabbis was moved from Baku to Jerusalem, following security warnings and the recommendation of Israeli security officials. The conference opened in Jerusalem this week."

"Azerbaijan, a key strategic ally of Israel, has faced persistent challenges from both Sunni and Shi'ite extremist groups. In addition to the ISIS threat, the DTX has been actively combatting Iranian-backed elements, most notably the Husseiniyyun - a proxy group often referred to as the ‘Hezbollah of the Caucasus’,” according to the website of the Israeli media group Israel National News–Arutz Sheva.

The Jerusalem Post added: "The Husseiniyyun, which adopts the same iconography as other Iranian proxies, aims to undermine Baku's secular government and its cooperation with Israel. Security officials noted that the DTX, often likened to Israel's Shin Bet for its operational efficiency, continues to work in close coordination with Jerusalem to monitor these threats and protect Jewish and Israeli institutions in the region."

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News