Azazel plays the role of a deity in the biblical ritual of Yom Kippur, and in early interpretation, he played a central role as the initiator of sin and even the devil, or alternatively, as a protective figure. Later tradition obscured his identity, presenting Azazel as the name of a demon, as the scapegoat itself, and even as a place name.So the answer to the question in the title seems to be "Yes." This essay gives a good summary of the ancient evidence.
For more on Azazel, see here and here.
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