Israel recognizes the Armenian genocide from a position of expertise

After becoming a reference point in genocide itself, Israel has decided to recognize another historic genocide.

The Israeli government unanimously approved the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, committed against Armenians in 1915, following a proposal by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The decision must still complete its legislative path in the Knesset before entering into force.

The Armenian Genocide is considered one of the greatest human tragedies of the 20th century. Estimates indicate that around 1.5 million Armenians were killed during World War I. Dozens of countries have recognized it as genocide, while Turkey continues to reject that classification.

Although the recognition is being presented as a moral and historical step, its timing cannot be separated from its political dimensions. It comes amid deteriorating relations between Israel and Turkey, and is also seen as a political message strengthening ties with Armenia, one of the arenas of regional competition with Iran.