The long-standing Syria–Israel conflict — intensified in recent months by Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and violent clashes in Syria’s As-Suwayda province — has brought the Middle East to the brink of another major war. Yet a surprising diplomatic bridge has emerged: Azerbaijan.
The latest escalation began after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the rise of an Islamist-led transitional government under Ahmed al-Sharaa. In December 2024, Israel moved troops into the demilitarized zone near the occupied Golan Heights, an action condemned by the UN as a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Israeli forces advanced to within 20 kilometers of Damascus, strengthening ties with local Druze militias opposed to Syria’s new leadership.
Clashes between Druze forces, supported by Israel, and pro-government Bedouin Arab groups threatened to spiral into a wider war before a ceasefire was brokered. The United States played a role in securing the truce, but limited it to the As-Suwayda clashes, leaving deeper issues between Damascus and Tel Aviv unresolved — underscoring the need for broader peace talks.
Baku Becomes the Negotiation Hub
In a notable diplomatic development, Azerbaijan hosted the first Syria–Israel meeting since Syria’s change of government. On July 12, Syrian and Israeli representatives met in Baku during al-Sharaa’s official visit. Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy aide to Azerbaijan’s president, confirmed the talks were aimed at easing tensions and noted Azerbaijan’s willingness to act as a bridge due to its strong relations with all regional players.
Follow-up negotiations took place in Paris on July 25, mediated by U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Sheibani participating. While no breakthrough was achieved, momentum continued, with another meeting between Dermer and al-Sheibani returning to Baku on July 31.
Energy and Geopolitics Intersect
Azerbaijan’s role is reinforced by its growing ties with post-Assad Syria — supported strongly by Turkey — and by expanding energy cooperation with both Syria and Israel. A gas supply deal with Damascus strengthens Baku’s position as a key Middle East energy player, complementing its long-standing oil and gas partnership with Israel. Analysts note that if regional gas infrastructures were ever linked via Syria, Azerbaijan would be among the biggest beneficiaries.
Strategic Leverage
According to Israel’s Institute for Information Warfare Studies, Baku is “not just a venue, but a vital political and economic connector,” enabling discussions on security, economics, and sovereignty without threats or ultimatums.
By simultaneously deepening its ties with Turkey, Syria, and Israel, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a pivotal peace broker and energy partner in one of the Middle East’s most intractable conflicts — a role that underscores its rising influence on the global stage, writes Media.Az in its article.
