After Israeli businesspeople were targeted in Cyprus by an Azerbaijani assassin deployed by Iran, as well as the growing tension over Iran's Operation Khyber Occupiers on the Azeri border, Azeri security forces have launched a widespread operation against pro-Iranian elements in the country, Israel Hayom has learned.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Thus far, the operation has included the arrests of activists who have been trying to promote the approach of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Azerbaijan. On Tuesday, reports said that Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has also decided to shutter the Khamenei mission in Azerbaijan, which is headed by Ali Akbar Ojagnejad.
Meanwhile, in light of the growing tension in the southern Caucasus region, Azerbaijan is considering purchasing Israel's Arrow 3 defense system, an official has informed Israel Hayom.
If the deal goes through, the Arrow 3 will be the latest Israeli defense acquisition by Baku. The very fact that the Azeris are considering the purchase could indicate a regional change in defense outlook that entails a transition from offense to significantly improved defensive capabilities.
The Arrow 3 system is expensive to operate, with each of its interceptor missiles costing $2.2 million.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
