Azerbaijan Poised to Expand the Abraham Accords

A New Chapter in Middle Eastern Diplomacy

In a significant move that could reshape regional alliances, discussions have intensified over the possibility of Azerbaijan joining the Abraham Accords framework. This development marks a potential expansion of Israel’s established diplomatic partnerships with Muslim-majority nations, such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, and could further bolster Israel’s image as a normalized partner in the Muslim world.

A Diplomatic and Energy Powerhouse

The Abraham Accords—the normalization of relations between Israel and several majority Muslim states—were hailed as the greatest foreign policy accomplishment of Donald J. Trump’s first administration. As his second term takes off, the president has made it clear that his administration will seek to expand this groundbreaking framework. One Muslim-majority country that already has a longstanding partnership with Israel and is an obvious candidate to join the Accords framework is Azerbaijan.

At a recent high-level meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an aide to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Hikmet Hajiyev, explored the expansion of cooperation between their nations. Analysts emphasize that Azerbaijan has been one of Israel’s most reliable partners in the Muslim world for over three decades, a relationship that has been pivotal for regional security and economic ventures.

Energy Cooperation: A Major Strategic Initiative

A key component of this expanding cooperation is the deepening of Israeli-Azerbaijani energy ties. On March 17th, an official delegation from SOCAR, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic, is scheduled to arrive in Israel. The delegation, led by Mikayl Jabbarov, Minister of the Economy, will sign onto a deal granting SOCAR a 10% stake in Israel’s Tamar Gas Field. This agreement is expected to be accompanied by the announcement of two even larger energy projects within Israeli waters near the Lebanese border, though details remain to be disclosed.

The Tamar gas field, located about 90 km west of Haifa, is estimated to hold natural gas reserves of around 389 billion cubic meters. Chevron, one of the largest hydrocarbon producers in the United States, already owns 25% of Tamar and has approved SOCAR’s inclusion into the consortium. This expansion in energy security builds on over thirty years of collaboration between Israel and Azerbaijan in defense, technology, culture, and trade. Exclusive sources from Forbes indicate that BP, a veteran partner of SOCAR since the era of the “deal of the century” involving the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Main Export Pipeline, is also expected to play a role in the new venture.

Strategic Implications and Trilateral Collaboration

This energy and diplomatic initiative is part of a broader strategy. A recent study from the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies underscores the importance of integrating Azerbaijan into wider U.S.-Israeli regional partnerships for development, investments, and technology cooperation. The expansion of the Abraham Accords is seen as a way to reduce America’s economic burden on defense and regional development projects, while also strengthening ties among U.S. allies.

On March 5th, the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed that the Jewish state maintains continuous dialogue with Washington, aiming to establish a strong foundation for trilateral collaboration between Israel, Azerbaijan, and the United States. National Missions Minister Orit Strock emphasized the strategic importance of Azerbaijan, stating, “Azerbaijan is a key strategic ally of Israel in the Caucasus region, with bilateral relations spanning security, trade, technology, energy, and agriculture. Over the years, these ties have deepened based on mutual understanding of regional stability and cooperation for the benefit of both nations.”

Analysts at the Atlantic Council have also highlighted that stronger ties with Azerbaijan would provide the United States with a more secure foothold in Central Asia—a region rich in minerals and energy, and critical for global trade routes that bypass traditional chokepoints in Russia and Iran.

A Model of Tolerance and Inclusivity

Beyond the economic and strategic dimensions, Azerbaijan’s domestic policies reinforce its role as an ideal partner. Unlike many other Muslim countries, Azerbaijan’s education system promotes values of tolerance and inclusivity, teaching its students about the Holocaust, antisemitism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a factual manner. This approach not only fosters mutual respect but also reinforces Azerbaijan’s commitment to bridging cultural divides.

Rabbi Zamir Isayev, Chief Rabbi of Baku’s Jewish community, shared his experience, noting that Jews in Azerbaijan enjoy freedom and robust protection, with local security services and a welcoming population. This longstanding cultural and diplomatic relationship has paved the way for Azerbaijan to serve as a bridge between Israel and other Muslim-majority nations.

Looking Ahead

The potential inclusion of Azerbaijan in the Abraham Accords represents a convergence of diplomatic, economic, and cultural initiatives. As Israel and the United States continue to expand their network of alliances, Azerbaijan stands out as a strategic partner capable of advising on regional interactions and furthering normalized relations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With a proven record of loyalty and progressive policies, Azerbaijan is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of cooperation under the Abraham Accords framework.