Israel-Baku ink arms deal

JERUSALEM - The Associated Press

In this file photo, an Israeli army Heron TP drone flies during a display at the Palmahim Air Force Base. AP photo

Israeli defense officials say state-run Israel Aerospace Industries will sell $1.6 billion in drones and anti-aircraft and missile defense systems to Azerbaijan.

The deal will bring sophisticated Israeli technology to the doorstep of archenemy Iran. Tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan have been rising because of close Azeri ties with Israel.

The Israeli defense officials spoke yesterday on condition of anonymity because they were not at liberty to discuss defense deals. Israel accuses Iran of developing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

Earlier this month, Iran demanded that Azerbaijan prevent Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency from using Azeri territory to launch operations against Iran. Israel says it has foiled Iranian-sponsored attacks against Israeli targets in Azerbaijan.