Israel Officially Recognizes the Armenian Genocide During the Ottoman Empire

Israel's shift in stance on this issue has followed clear steps. In August 2025, Prime Minister Netanyahu first acknowledged the genocide committed against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during a podcast interview. By June 27, 2026, this position was formally elevated to national policy: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that a resolution would be formally submitted at a cabinet meeting, calling for the official reversal of decades-long avoidance, and demanding formal recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Saar emphasized that acknowledging this history is both a moral and historical responsibility.

This move is not merely a historical reckoning—it carries strong realpolitik motives. For decades, Israel has used the denial of the genocide as a diplomatic bargaining chip to maintain strategic alliances with Turkey and Azerbaijan. However, since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, relations between Israel and Turkey have plummeted to an all-time low.

Turkey has suspended most trade with Israel, while President Erdoğan has repeatedly compared Netanyahu to Hitler and accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza.

Facing mounting pressure from Turkey, Israel has chosen to expose Turkey’s historical vulnerabilities. This action aims to signal unequivocally the end of their alliance and deliver a moral blow to Turkey in the international arena.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has swiftly responded, condemning Netanyahu and the Israeli government’s statements as “an attempt to exploit past tragedies for political purposes,” accusing them of trying to obscure the bloodshed in Gaza.

This incident has intensified tensions between Turkey and Israel, leaving Azerbaijan—Israel’s major weapons buyer and energy partner—in a difficult position. The entire geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is thus poised to undergo a chain reaction.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869248148588683/

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