Israel Must Stand for What’s Right

The debate on the pages of the Jerusalem Post regarding Israel’s stance in the South Caucasus—whether to unconditionally support Azerbaijan or take a more balanced approach—has been passionate. It has pitted realpolitik against principle, short-term strategic gains against long-term moral standing. As an Israeli diplomat and an Armenian resident of the Old City, we would like to take a step back and remind ourselves of a simple but critical truth: There is value in doing the right thing, not just the expedient thing.

Israel’s place among the nations—its rightful place—is to be a beacon of moral clarity, a country that, despite the difficult choices forced upon it, strives to stand on the right side of history. This is not just a lofty aspiration; it is a founding ethos. The idea that Israel should be a “light unto the nations” was central to its creation and to the moral core that made the country admired around the world—and justified the pains caused by the return to Zion.

This is a principle that has been obscured in recent decades, as its international reputation has been battered—sometimes unfairly, sometimes not—by the complexities of the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians. But cynicism must not erode fundamental values.

This is why Israel’s response to Azerbaijan’s actions matters. Yes, Israel has a strategic partnership with Baku, and yes, it provides vital security advantages—intelligence access near Iran, energy supply, and a lucrative defense relationship. But does this mean Israel must take Azerbaijan’s side against Armenia? Do short-term interests justify supporting military aggression against Armenia, a sovereign country and fledgling democracy?

Azerbaijan has already accomplished its primary objective—reclaiming Nagorno-Karabakh. What is happening now, with threats against the Zangezur corridor and Armenia’s territorial integrity, is not about national defense; it is about expansionism. As Israelis, we should ask ourselves: Do we want to be a country that uncritically supports a stronger state’s land grabs against a weaker neighbor? If we allow ourselves to justify this, what moral ground will we have when our own enemies engage in territorial aggression?

It is particularly concerning that some argue Israel should support Azerbaijan’s ambitions because it weakens Iran and strengthens Turkey. The reality is more complicated. An emboldened Turkey under President Erdoğan—a leader who has been one of the most vocal international supporters of Hamas and who routinely vilifies Israel on the world stage—is hardly a strategic win for us. Nor is the idea of encouraging authoritarian regimes to redraw borders by force. We should not assume that such tactics will always be deployed in ways that serve our interests.

Some may dismiss these concerns as naïve. They will argue that in the harsh world of international politics, morality is a luxury Israel cannot afford. We reject this thinking. Strategic decisions should align with our values, not contradict them. Israel should be smart, yes—but not cynical. Israel should pursue its interests, of course—but not in a way that stains our moral standing.

Israel’s diplomatic standing, particularly with our most important allies in the democratic world, depends not only on our military strength but also on our ability to show that we act with principle. Supporting an unprovoked attack on Armenia would align Israel with the forces of aggression, not justice. It would distance us from the very Western allies we rely on to defend our own cause on the international stage.

The world is watching. The question is: What kind of nation does Israel want to be? If it believes in its moral legitimacy, it cannot abandon the principle that might does not make right. Israel has prospered because, despite our many challenges, it has sought to align power with purpose, security with justice. That should remain our compass. Israel should not stand with despotism and aggression.