The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that direct talks were recently held between Israeli and Turkish officials in Azerbaijan. The Israeli government also expressed appreciation to President Ilham Aliyev for facilitating the dialogue.
According to the statement, the meeting took place on April 9, following Netanyahu’s directive. The Israeli delegation, led by National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi and including members of the defense ministry and security services, met with their Turkish counterparts.
During the talks, both sides shared their strategic interests in the region and agreed to continue discussions in order to maintain regional stability, the statement noted. The Israeli government emphasized its gratitude to Azerbaijan and President Aliyev for hosting the important exchange.
Tensions between Israel and Turkey have been strained in recent years, particularly due to the escalation of the Gaza conflict in 2023 and changes in Syria's leadership in late 2024. Relations deteriorated further after Israeli airstrikes in Syria and criticism from Ankara.
Just a day earlier, Netanyahu, returning from his second visit to Washington in two months, rejected the presence of Turkish military bases in Syria and suggested that US President Donald Trump might help mediate between Ankara and Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made it clear that Turkey has no intention of entering into conflict with Israel over Syria. However, he criticized Israel's actions in the region and said Turkey is working closely with Syria's new government on security and other matters.
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Based on TASS materials