The former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan has become one of Israel’s closest allies, and its friendship remains unshaken by the Gaza war.
The majority Shiite nation of Azerbaijan is the biggest supplier of oil to Israel, which reciprocates by selling sophisticated arms including missile systems and drones. While the flow of oil in exchange for advanced weapons is the backbone of the alliance, a confluence of interests is propelling the former Soviet republic on the Caspian Sea closer to Israel, often in defiance of discontent at home and dismay among neighbors Iran and Turkey.
Read more on Bloomberg: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-28/israel-s-top-oil-supplier-endures-gaza-as-azeri-ties-grow.html