Polish public TV: Azerbaijan carefully balances relations with Russia, Turkey, and Israel

Published: 2026-04-02 12:50

"Between 2016 and 2020, nearly 70% of Azerbaijan's major weapons imports came from Israel. By comparison, Russia now accounts for a much smaller share. For years, Moscow positioned itself as a key security arbiter in the South Caucasus. By diversifying its arms suppliers and leaning heavily into Israeli technology, Azerbaijan has reduced its dependence on Russian guarantees. In practical terms, that gives Baku more room to maneuver, both militarily and diplomatically," according to TVP World, a Polish public English-language news channel.

"And this is where the idea of middle power consolidation comes into focus. Azerbaijan is not trying to become a global superpower. What it is trying to do is maximize its influence within its region by carefully balancing relationships with larger actors: Russia, Turkey, and now, increasingly, Israel. All of this is unfolding against a highly volatile regional backdrop, particularly when it comes to Iran. Azerbaijan shares a long border with Iran and is deeply interconnected with it economically and socially. That makes any escalation in Iran an immediate strategic risk. And yet, this is where the Azerbaijan-Israel relationship becomes most sensitive. Tehran has repeatedly accused Baku of allowing Israeli and American intelligence activities on its territory. Azerbaijan, for its part, has firmly denied this and insists on its neutrality. But when Azerbaijan deepens defense cooperation with Israel while maintaining proximity to Iran, it is effectively walking a tightrope between deterrence and provocation," TVP World adds.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News