Full Breakdown
Israeli President’s Baku Speech Triggers Walkouts and Highlights Regional Diplomatic Tensions
By Drooid · · How we work
Walkout at the CICA Summit
During the opening plenary of the Seventh Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Baku, Israeli President Isaac Herzog began his address and was met with a coordinated walkout. Representatives of Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, Pakistan and the Palestinian Authority left the hall as soon as Herzog spoke, underscoring opposition to Israel’s policies among several Asian and Middle-Eastern members.
Background to the Summit
CICA brings together Asian and neighboring states to discuss security, economic cooperation and confidence-building measures. Israel, a member since 2022, has used the venue to deepen ties with Azerbaijan, a strategic partner that supplies oil to Israel and receives Israeli defense equipment. The 2026 summit coincided with an Israeli diplomatic push that includes recent embassy openings in Colombia and Bahrain and high-level meetings with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
Diplomatic Reactions
- Turkey’s response – Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned Israel’s “systematic policy of oppression” toward Palestinians and called for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, framing the walkout as a protest against alleged violations of Palestinian rights.
- Iranian media claim – The Tehran Times reported that the Qatari delegation also exited the hall, a claim contradicted by eyewitnesses who said Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani remained seated and listened to the entire speech. No official Qatari statement has been released.
- Turkish airspace issue – Herzog traveled to Baku on an Azerbaijan Airlines flight that passed through Turkish airspace. A Turkish official told ANKA News Agency that no request for overflight permission had been received from Israel and, under ICAO rules, passenger lists are not shared.
Data & Statistics
| Delegation | Action during Herzog’s speech |
|---|---|
| Iran | Walked out |
| Turkey | Walked out; foreign minister delivered a protest statement |
| Kuwait | Walked out |
| Pakistan | Walked out |
| Palestinian Authority | Walked out |
| Qatar (Emir) | Remained seated (per eyewitnesses) |
| Bahrain | Remained seated |
| United Arab Emirates | Remained seated |
Official Statements & Responses
- Herzog’s speech highlighted Israel’s desire for regional cooperation while drawing a firm line against terrorism and boycotts.
- Iranian media framed Qatar’s alleged departure as evidence of Doha’s “anti-Israel stance,” a narrative analysts say serves Tehran’s domestic and regional messaging. No independent verification exists.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Qatar’s departure – The Tehran Times asserted that the Qatari delegation left, while on-site witnesses reported that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stayed for the entire address. The lack of an official Qatari clarification leaves the exact composition of the Qatari exit uncertain.
- Airspace permission – Turkish authorities state no overflight request was received, whereas Israeli officials have not commented on the procedural details. The ICAO-based explanation provides a regulatory context but does not confirm whether any diplomatic clearance was sought.
The walkout and accompanying diplomatic statements illustrate the complex web of alliances and oppositions that shape Israel’s outreach in the Caucasus and broader Asian region.