Netanyahu delays Azerbaijan trip over regional tensions

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed his planned trip to Azerbaijan, which was originally set for this week, The Times of Israel reported, citing a statement from his office. The delay was attributed to multiple active conflicts around Israel’s borders.

“In light of developments in the Gaza Strip and Syria, and due to a tight political and security schedule, Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided to postpone his visit to Azerbaijan to a later date,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated. “The prime minister thanks President [Ilham] Aliyev for his invitation, and appreciates the warm relations between the two countries.”

Despite the official explanation, Walla news reported that Israeli officials believe the actual reason for the trip’s cancellation is linked to Turkey’s refusal to permit Netanyahu’s aircraft to pass through its airspace. That restriction would have significantly increased the journey time by requiring alternate flight paths.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not provided any comments regarding the Walla report.