- Israel's government unanimously voted on Sunday to formally recognize the Armenian genocide, which occurred during World War I.
- Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the recognition as a 'moral and historical duty', emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical truths.
- The recognition comes amid increasing tensions between Israel and Turkey, which has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza while denying the Armenian genocide.
- Historians estimate that up to 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks during this period, marking it as the first genocide of the 20th century.
- Saar noted that 32 countries, including the United States, have recognized the Armenian genocide, highlighting a broader international acknowledgment.
- The Armenian genocide resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923, a fact that remains contested by Turkey.
- Turkey has consistently rejected the term genocide, arguing that the deaths were not part of a systematic campaign against Armenians.
- The relationship between Israel and Turkey has deteriorated significantly, especially after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Israel's government unanimously voted to recognize the Armenian genocide on Sunday, a significant move that may further strain its already tense relations with Turkey.16
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the moral obligation to acknowledge the genocide, stating, "It is never too late to do the right thing". He noted that the genocide, which resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923, has been subjected to an institutionalized campaign of denial by Turkey.2
The resolution aligns Israel with 32 other nations that have recognized the genocide, including the United States and Germany. Saar remarked, "This horrific genocide... included the murder of 1.5 million people and the destruction of an ancient cultural and historical heritage".
The recognition comes amid deteriorating relations with Turkey, which has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Israel's actions, comparing them to those of Nazi Germany.
Despite Turkey's long-standing denial of the genocide, Saar asserted that "the facts are not really up for debate". He added that the vote was not an act of retaliation against Turkey's hostile rhetoric but a necessary acknowledgment of historical truths.
The Israeli government’s decision marks a pivotal moment in its foreign policy, reflecting a commitment to historical accountability amidst geopolitical tensions.
“Israel's Cabinet has unanimously approved the recognition of the Armenian genocide, a move that may further strain relations with Turkey. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the moral obligation to acknowledge this historical truth, joining 32 other nations in the recognition.”
CBS News
The Jerusalem Post
politico.eu
