The prime minister spoke at the signing of the MOU about the alliance between the two countries: “AI, as you know, is Azerbaijan-Israel. AI is also AI, artificial intelligence.”
Israel and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on AI at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
In the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Head of the National Artificial Intelligence Directorate, Brig.-Gen. Erez Askal, the Azerbaijani Minister of Digital Development and Transport, and Rashad Nabiyev signed the declaration, which aims to bolster the two countries’ ongoing alliance through Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The MOU is considered the next step in advancing Israel toward global leadership in AI, one of Netanyahu’s flagship goals. It comes shortly after the signing of a joint declaration with the US in this field.
The partnership between Israel and Azerbaijan intends to address infrastructure for supercomputing, the implementation of AI in civilian sectors, human capital, and joint research.
Netanyahu jokes AI stands for ‘Azerbaijan-Israel’
The prime minister spoke at the signing of the MOU, about the alliance between the two countries: “AI, as you know, is Azerbaijan-Israel. AI is also AI, artificial intelligence, and we’re wedding the two things.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the signing of an MOU on artificial intelligence between Israel and Azerbaijan, February 3, 2026. (credit: HAIM ZACH/GPO)
He explained the importance of AI in the future of technological advancements, saying, “It is now time to seize the future. The future is already here. AI is not the instrument of the future; it’s the instrument of the present that is rushing towards tomorrow. We have to make sure that we are among the leading nations in this field. And I think that we can do a lot more and a lot better together.”
Askal also spoke about the importance of collaboration between Israel and Azerbaijan, saying the State of Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan share extensive cooperation based on mutual appreciation and trust, as well as shared challenges. Cooperation on AI is an important additional layer between our countries, as it marks the future of two nations with unique challenges.”
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defined AI as a field in which Israel will be a global leader, and we intend to meet that goal.”
Why sign the MOU now?
Signing the MOU now is an important step in collaboration with the Islamic world. Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country, located next to Iran, and as tensions between Iran and Israel increase, an improving alliance with Azerbaijan is a positive step.
Israel and Azerbaijan have had positive diplomatic relations since Azerbaijan achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Gila Gamliel, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said on X that “This is a significant milestone and a step up in the deep relations between Israel and Azerbaijan. Another important step in establishing the scientific and national resilience of the State of Israel.”
The relationship between the two countries has been improving dramatically over the last few years. In 2023, Azerbaijan opened its embassy in Israel, marking a positive shift in diplomatic ties.
Defense and intelligence, which AI comes under, is a cornerstone of the partnership. Israel supplies advanced weaponry to Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan provides Israel with strategic intelligence sharing.
This MOU will help both countries advance their development and implementation of AI-based tools in real-world sectors.