Jerusalem: In a significant move on June 28, 2026, the Israeli Cabinet unanimously approved a proposal by Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to formally recognize the "genocide committed against the Armenian people during the final years of the Ottoman Empire." This decision marks a stark departure from Israel's longstanding policy of avoiding such terminology due to strategic interests in maintaining relations with Trkiye and Azerbaijan.
According to Anadolu Agency, this shift comes amid a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Israel and Trkiye. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emerged as a prominent critic of Israel regarding its actions in Gaza, where the Israeli government continues to face allegations of genocide. Ankara's support for international legal actions against Israel and its alignment with Palestinian advocacy have further strained bilateral ties. This recognition of the Armenian genocide appears to be Israel's strategic response to counter Trkiye's growing regional influence and its pursuit of normalization with Armenia.
The recognition also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics. Trkiye's attempts to normalize relations with Armenia could reshape the South Caucasus region, potentially undermining Israel's strategy of exploiting regional conflicts. By recognizing the Armenian genocide, Israel aims to influence this process, as Turkish-Armenian cooperation could diminish its ability to project power through regional divisions.
The timing of Israel's decision raises questions about its motives. As Israel faces international scrutiny over its actions in Gaza, the recognition of the Armenian genocide is seen as a distraction tactic, intended to shift global diplomatic focus away from the ongoing conflict. This strategy of using historical memory to deflect contemporary accountability has been a recurring theme in Israeli policy.
Ultimately, the decision underscores the geopolitical calculations driving Israel's foreign policy. The current Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is navigating unprecedented international isolation and legal challenges. This recognition of the Armenian genocide is a maneuver to counteract criticism and maintain regional influence, highlighting the complexities of alliances and historical narratives in the Middle East.