Azerbaijan is mediating between Israel and Turkey to reduce tensions over Syria and prevent military friction between the two countries, Israeli sources said, as the United States pursues a parallel effort to contain the dispute.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev initiated direct dialogue between Israel and Turkey a year ago, resulting in an operational coordination mechanism intended to prevent the two countries from coming into conflict in Syria.
Baku’s latest diplomatic efforts are focused on maintaining communication between the two sides and preventing military miscalculations, including potential incidents involving aircraft, Daily Sabah reported. A source involved in the discussions said Azerbaijani officials are particularly concerned because both Israel and Turkey are allies of Azerbaijan.
The United States is also seeking to reduce tensions, although Israeli sources described significant distrust of US envoy Tom Barrack who characterized a recent Israeli strike in Syria as an “unnecessary escalation” and claimed Israeli strikes were politically motivated ahead of October elections. The diplomatic efforts come as Israel has raised concerns about an expansion of Turkey’s military presence in Syria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned following an Israeli strike that an increased Turkish military footprint in southern Syria would pose a threat to Israeli security and alter the existing regional balance.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani denied that Turkey intended to establish a military base at Abu al-Duhur, saying the facility was being rehabilitated for the Syrian Air Force.
Separate diplomatic efforts have sought to reduce tensions involving Israel and Syria. Mossad Director Roman Gofman and al-Shaibani held high-level talks in Jordan aimed at easing tensions and reviving security negotiations.
