With a long nose, on Israel's leash: A widespread campaign against the President of Azerbaijan

A widespread antisemitic online campaign against Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, portraying him as an enemy of Islam and a puppet of Israel, using antisemitic stereotypes. According to assessments, the campaign is being driven by elements from Turkey, Iran, and Russia, against the backdrop of the hijab law announced by the Azerbaijani government.

Against the backdrop of the hijab protests that erupted in Azerbaijan, a widespread antisemitic online campaign is being waged against Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The campaign portrays Aliyev as an enemy of Islam and a puppet of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, using classic antisemitic stereotypes such as a long nose. In one cartoon, Aliyev is shown on his knees tied to a leash held by Netanyahu. According to assessments, the campaign is being driven by elements from Turkey, Iran, and Russia. The tensions in Azerbaijan erupted after the government published regulations banning students from wearing clothing that deviates from the official uniform, effectively prohibiting the hijab in schools. Turkey, although an important ally of Azerbaijan, criticized the law. Iran sees this as another opportunity to attack the ties between Azerbaijan and Israel. Russia, according to assessments, has an interest in undermining Aliyev's status due to Azerbaijan's regional ambitions and its neutrality in the war in Ukraine.