Israel not to stand aloof from developments in Greater Middle East

PanARMENIAN.Net - Meanwhile it should be noted that no visit of prominent political figures to Baku passes without a mention of the Karabakh conflict. Lieberman too decided to have his input, stating that “The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a very sensitive issue and it shouldn’t be discussed either in public or in the media." Moreover, the work carried out by international organizations towards settlement of the conflict was assessed as unsatisfactory by Lieberman. Ultimately all his remarks were called to prove that Azerbaijan is a serious and reliable partner of Israel. In his words, these countries have many similarities and bilateral relations between them are rapidly developing.

Lieberman's statements should be viewed not only in the light of Israeli-Azerbaijani relations, but also, more importantly, from the perspective of Israeli-Turkish relations. Turkey and Israel are still strategic partners in words and they will remain such until Ankara finally decides that the Arab world is more important than the tiny Jewish State with its unmeasured ambitions. By the way, Turkish government has absolutely nothing to do here: the growing anti-Semitism in the country will do its work. But the main “argument” of the Turkish side is, of course, the possible recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the United States and, consequently, by Israel. However, there is one more issue yet inconceivable: Israel may become a regional power too, thanks to its nuclear bomb, which Turkey and Iran lack at the moment. It should also be noted that Israeli army, though small in comparison with the Turkish one, is quite powerful and mobile, almost like the Armenian army in contrast to the Azerbaijani one...

In this regard, the forthcoming visit of Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan to Jerusalem takes on importance. Such visits, even if they are marked as private, are often more important and more productive than formal meetings. In any case, the Armenian Prime Minister will obviously meet with representatives of Israel and, possibly, with his colleague Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as with Avigdor Lieberman. After all, the invitation was extended by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Most likely the counterparts will discuss possible opening of the Israeli Embassy in Yerevan. It is still hard to say how important it could be for Armenia, but for Israel Armenia may be useful in case of deterioration of relations with Iran. And the relations are destined to deterioration. In Jerusalem they openly speak of a war with Iran, as something taken for granted. Israel has to secure the rear, as it is not clear how Turkey and Azerbaijan will behave in case of possible launch of military action. So, what will prevail? Islamic solidarity or assurances of age-long friendship? It is then that Yerevan will be needed, especially since both states are too alike. They even hold the top ranks of the U.S budget in terms of American aid. In short, we'll wait & see. Only one thing is unclear; what will Armenia get from the opening of the Israeli Embassy? There are more Armenians in Israel than Jews in Armenia, but it looks no one is going to open an Embassy of Armenia there.