Why it matters:
Israel has long avoided official recognition to preserve strategic relations with Turkey, which denies the genocide. The move comes as ties with Ankara sink to new lows over the genocidal war in Gaza.
Background:
Between 1915–1923, an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed or deported in what historians widely consider a systematic genocide. To date, only 34 countries officially recognize it. Turkey, the Ottoman Empire’s successor, insists the deaths were wartime tragedies, not a planned extermination.
The big picture:
The Armenian genocide remains a highly sensitive issue for Turkey, which views international recognition as a direct attack on its national identity. Israel’s move to acknowledge the century-old atrocities risks further confrontation with Erdoğan’s government, adding another layer of tension to already frayed ties.
Go deeper:
Israel’s historical reluctance stems partly from realpolitik: Ankara was a key trade and security partner.
Previous Israeli regime leaders, including Shimon Peres and Reuven Rivlin, debated recognition but avoided formal acknowledgment to protect ties with Turkey.
Netanyahu’s remarks signal a potential shift in Israel’s foreign policy approach as relations with Turkey continue to deteriorate.
ahmad shirzadian - ahmad shirzadian
