The Azerbaijani policy is identical to the policy of those who carried out the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. This was stated by Yaron Weiss, Israeli expert on South Caucasus issues and columnist of “Davar” magazine, in his interview with the Orbeli analytical center.

- For over 8 months, Azerbaijan has been enforcing a blockade of the Lachin Corridor, keeping Artsakh under siege. Baku ceased the supply of natural gas and electricity to Artsakh, and recently even banned the transportation of humanitarian cargo. All this triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in Artsakh and the President of Artsakh declared the republic a disaster zone. As for you, what is the ultimate goal of such a policy of Azerbaijan?

- There is all the evidence that Azerbaijan seeks the elimination of Armenian presence in Artsakh. I have been saying this for years. Unfortunately, everything that may warned about and feared is happening right now.  

Ethnic cleansing, rewritten history, hatred towards Armenians, all these are part of Azerbaijan’s history, being implemented for many years. This is the same kind of policy as of those who carried out the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. 

That is why it is important to stop ethnic cleansing while it is happening. The civilized world often commemorates significant events, but does not always address the events themselves, which give rise to these commemorative dates.  

For this very reason, it is necessary to intensify awareness efforts and open the eyes of global leaders. 

- How do you assess the impact of the crisis in Artsakh and Baku’s aggressive actions on the situation in the region?

- When a dictatorship regime acquires significant stockpiles of modern weaponry, especially in case of dictatorship, led by a clan with a questionable reputation for human rights violations, the result is often regional destabilization. That is why we are currently witnessing a deliberate policy of condemning the people of Artsakh to starvation. 

- How can the international community as well as Israel contribute to the resolution of this catastrophic crisis?

- A few weeks ago, a group of academics, journalists, religious leaders, activists and intellectuals called on the President of Israel (who recently visited Baku) to use his connections with dictator Aliyev to exert influence on him and achieve the opening of the Lachin Corridor. 

Israel is an influential factor in the region.

It is very important for all friends of Armenia around the world as well as advocates for freedom and democracy, to take similar steps in their own countries. 

- I would like you to also address the topic of Armenian-Israeli relations. How would you characterize it? It is evident that there are several gaps in bilateral relations. Can you name the reasons?

- As part of Israel’s short-sighted policy, improving relations with Azerbaijan is considered to be in the country’s interests. It is known that the Azerbaijan government views any Israeli approaches towards Armenia as hostile moves against Baku. 

That is why Israel is extremely apprehensive about getting closer to Armenia. 

We observe this in Israeli media outlets influenced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, as well as in private media resources that come under the influence of interested individuals from the industrial sector: they refrain from attacking Azerbaijan and avoid covering the crisis in Artsakh. 

In recent weeks, we have made significant efforts to persuade foreign editorial teams to provide coverage of the situation in Artsakh as it is done in other countries around the world.  

Unfortunately, Israel has not opened an embassy in Yerevan yet. This is directly related to the unwillingness to incur the wrath of the Aliyev family.  

It is already 3 years since the Armenian Embassy in Tel Aviv has been operating. Ambassador Arman Akopyan seems to be timelessly working on the development of relations between Armenia and Israel.  

I know that efforts are being made to expand tourist ties between the countries, to establish direct flights from Yerevan to Tel-Aviv, enhance ties between academic institutions, and of course attempts to attract potential investors.  

Ambassador Akopyan faces serious challenges in his role in a country that is apprehensive about overdeveloping its relations with Armenia. 

- And finally, it is known that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited Azerbaijan. As it is known from the meeting in Baku, Gallant discussed ways to strengthen the strategic cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan. He also addressed “the threat from Iran”. What is your stance on Azerbaijani-Israeli strategic cooperation? Does it really bring more benefits or are the issues often “ignored”? 

- Censorship in Israel prevents citizens from obtaining information about the nature of relations with Azerbaijan. Official sources state that relations with Azerbaijan are of strategic importance, as it is a Shiite country bordering Iran. It is believed that strengthening these relations is necessary for Israel’s national security.  

I believe, this official policy is intended to mask and thereby legitimize the mass sale of weapons to a country that most Western states recognize as a dictatorship. Israel is known for its mass sales of weapons and arms to dictatorships. 

When Israel sells weapons to dictatorships in Africa or East Asia, the government cannot justify it on the grounds of national security because these countries are not in the immediate threat spectrum for Israel. However, in the case of Azerbaijan, the government justifies weapon sales on national security grounds to avoid public criticism. 

It is known from history that when Israel established strong relations with dictatorships, such as during the era of the Shah in Iran and apartheid in South Africa, a strong sense of animosity towards Israel quickly formed among the citizens of those countries after a change in power. The same will happen in Azerbaijan after a change in power or depletion of oil reserves. That’s why Israel’s policy is short-sighted.