A serious security concern is developing in Israel and Azerbaijan over fears that Iran will try to disrupt the state visit to Azarbaijan by President Issac Herzog. The visit comes after Azerbaijan became the only current Shiite Muslim country to inaugurate a new embassy in Israel. As part of President Herzog’s two-day visit, a vast security operation will take place designed to thwart any Iranian attempt to disrupt the visit.
Herzog arrived in Azerbaijan Tuesday morning, for a visit that will see the President in the Caucasus nation for two days. Before taking off he said to Israeli reporters: "I am going on an important official state visit to Azerbaijan, hosted by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. A friendly, close, important country, a key country. We have to remember that beyond the trade relations, and beyond the historical ties, Azerbaijan is a neighbor of Iran. Iran is an unstable factor in the region that constantly pursues actions against the State of Israel and against the developing alliance of peace and security in the region, and I will certainly discuss this."
Such a wonderful welcome for the President of the State of #Israel @Isaac_Herzog at the airport in #Baku by the students of the #Jewish school in #Azerbaijan singing Shalom Aleichem
— Mukhtar Mammadov 🇦🇿 (@MammadovMukhtar) May 30, 2023
Baruch haba! 🇦🇿🤝🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/v4aWtzitgu
Before boarding the plane, Herzog also referred to the talks that will resume today at the President's residence in regard to the judicial reform: "During my visit to Azerbaijan, talks will be held under my auspices at the President's residence, between the coalition and representatives of the opposition parties. I would like to reiterate that broad understandings can definitely be reached. This requires effort, goodwill, and leadership and I suggest ignoring the background noise and thinking about the strategic goal, which is ultimately the State of Israel. No one sells values, no one violates basic principles, but on the other hand, it is good and desirable to discuss the boundaries of the sector in the various authorities in the State of Israel."
On judicial reform talks, Herzog says: “We can reach understandings. It takes, effort goodwill and leadership and I say - ignore the background noise and think about the goal…No one will violate our values or basic principles.”
— Lahav Harkov (@LahavHarkov) May 30, 2023
Azerbaijan's security forces, along with the Shin Bet's personal security unit, will take unprecedented security measures during his visit to the country and entire areas of Baku will be closed off. Also, thousands of soldiers and policemen have been mobilized for Herzog's security.
President of #Israel 🇮🇱: “#Azerbaijan🇦🇿 is a key country and I am certain that my visit will open the door to deepening cooperation. We share common new opportunities, and challenges as well.” pic.twitter.com/82Cc6yJJwU
— Ayshan Aslan-Mammadli (@AyshanASLAN) May 30, 2023
Upon his landing, Herzog was greeted at the airport by 30 children from the Chabad school in Baku, who waved the flags of Israel and Azerbaijan. Herzog and his wife will be received in a state welcome ceremony by the Guard of honor at the presidential palace "Zaglova" in Baku, by the Azeri president. It should be noted that while Azerbaijan is indeed a Shiite country by definition, the majority of residents define themselves as secular.
