Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid welcomed the parliament's decision. "Azerbaijan is an important partner of Israel and home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the Muslim world," Lapid said.

Representatives from the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations also hailed the decision, calling it a "significant step in the warming of relations between the Jewish State and her neighbors and will directly connect one of the largest Jewish communities in the Muslim world to the heart of the Jewish homeland."

The Conference of Presidents' statement continued, "This agreement and others signal the critical importance of regional stability and send a firm message to bad actors like Iran who continue to promote violence and sponsor terrorism," they added.

The reference to Iran highlights a possible strengthening of defense ties between Israel and Azerbaijan. In October, Defense Minister Benny Gantz paid an official visit to Baku, meeting with the president and defense minister. Azerbaijan has a history of tensions with its southern neighbor, Iran, although the two countries are both majority Shi'ite Muslim. Tehran has accused Azerbaijan of fomenting rebellion against the Mullah's regime among the ethnic Azeris in Iran.

Incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Azerbaijan 6 years ago, solidifying defense ties with leaders there. Trade in defense and energy are two key elements of the relationship, with Israel providing armaments to Azerbaijan and the oil-rich Azeris supplying energy to Israel. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Texas Judge Wins Big After Faith-Based Stand on Marriage, Awarded $640K

'HEINOUS': White House Condemns Judge's Order Mandating 'Woke' Ideology at National Parks

Antifa Members Convicted in Texas ICE Attack Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms

New York City's Socialist 'Tsunami' Is Only the Latest Weirdness from the Big Apple

Trump Declares 'National Emergency,' Demands Housing Overhaul Bill Be Scrapped in SAVE Act Push

Senate RINOS Too Busy Scolding Trump to Pass Voter ID Bill

Lebanon a Major Sticking Point in US-Iran Discussions as Rubio Visits UAE to Reassure Allies on MoU

Biden DEA Let 1M Fentanyl Pills Flow to Streets, Whistleblower Lawyer Says

Supreme Court: Border Officers Can Suspend Criminal Illegals' Permanent Status

How China Is Poisoning America With Parkinson's

455 People Charged for $6.5B In Health Care Fraud Schemes, Says Acting AG Todd Blanche

US Senate Passes Landmark Bipartisan Housing Bill, Sends to House

Foreign-born, Biden-appointed Federal Judge Declares That Common-Sense Election Integrity Is Illegal

Trans-Identifying Democrat Goes to Prison for Sex Crimes against Children

California Democrat Lawmaker Says Christians Cannot Claim Rainbow

Major League Baseball Admits They Mistreated Christian Players, after Senator Hawley, DOJ Get Involved

After Second Win in World Cup, US Men's Team Prays on the Field, Honoring God

'Incredible' Archaeological Discovery Reveals Jewish Connection to Jerusalem's Ancient History

DOJ to Investigate MLB's Threat to Discipline Players for Bible Verses on 'Pride' Hats

Children's Hospital Doctors Refuse to Perform 'Gender Transition' Mutilation on Kids Despite Liberal Court Order