Muslim Nation Prepares to Host Netanyahu, Accused of War Crimes in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Azerbaijan comes at a time of significant geopolitical changes, as he faces charges from the International Criminal Court.
Watan-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accused by the International Criminal Court of committing “war crimes” against the people of Gaza, is expected to visit a Muslim country.
According to Israeli channel “i24news,” Netanyahu’s anticipated visit will be to Azerbaijan, where he will meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the capital Baku to discuss “shared issues.”
The Israeli channel reported that the timing of the visit coincides with significant developments and changes in the region. It also noted that Baku had previously hosted a “security session” between Israeli and Turkish delegations to “reorganize matters in the Syrian arena” due to the strong relations Azerbaijan maintains with both countries.
Azerbaijan has become a key mediator between Turkey and Israel to “prevent an escalation of tensions and conflict within Syrian territory.”
Netanyahu’s Visit to Azerbaijan Linked to Iran and Regional Alliances
According to the channel, the timing of the visit cannot be separated from discussions surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue. It mentioned that the meeting “sends clear messages to Tehran about Israel’s efforts to form an alliance against it in the region, following strikes on its allies in Lebanon and Syria.” This comes as Israel is considering a potential military strike, either ground or air, against Iran, and such a move would require strengthening this influence.
Israel has maintained relations with Azerbaijan since 1992, with the Islamic country importing arms from Tel Aviv.
If the visit, whose final date has not been disclosed, takes place, Azerbaijan—an overwhelmingly Muslim nation and a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation—will open its doors to Netanyahu, who has been accused by the International Criminal Court of committing “war crimes” in Gaza.
Since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister has only visited Hungary, a European Union state, and the United States, receiving significant criticism for defying court decisions.
On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant on charges of committing “war crimes” in Gaza.
