Turkey & Azerbaijan Outraged as Israel Finally Recognizes the Armenian Genocide, Demand Decision Be Reversed

Turkey and Azerbaijan have strongly criticized Israel's decision to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, with both governments urging a reversal of the move and arguing that it will harm regional stability.

In separate statements, the foreign ministries of Turkey and Azerbaijan rejected Israel's recognition of the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire during 1915, describing the decision as politically motivated.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry claimed that the historical facts surrounding the events of 1915 are being "distorted" and argued that the issue should not be the subject of political decisions. According to Baku, Israel's recognition does not promote reconciliation or mutual understanding but instead deepens divisions and undermines efforts to achieve lasting peace in the South Caucasus.

The ministry added that Azerbaijan would continue what it described as its policy of defending "historical truth" while supporting regional peace and stability.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry also condemned Israel's decision, accusing the Israeli government of ignoring "historical and legal realities" in an attempt to divert international attention from its own actions in Gaza.

In a statement released on June 28, Ankara alleged that the Israeli government—currently facing accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice over its military campaign in Gaza—was using its recognition of the Armenian Genocide to "cover up its own crimes."

The Turkish Foreign Ministry further argued that the decision reflects the difficult position facing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, referencing the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over alleged crimes related to the conflict in Gaza.

Ankara also pledged to continue efforts to counter what it described as Israel's "expansionist and destabilizing policies" in the region and called for accountability for alleged crimes committed against civilians, particularly the Palestinian people.

The criticism follows the Israeli government's vote on June 28 to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, approving a resolution introduced by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

"It's never too late to do the right thing," Sa'ar said after the vote.

The resolution will now be submitted to the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, for a final vote.

As of publication, Armenia has not issued an official response to either Israel's recognition or the subsequent statements from Turkey and Azerbaijan.

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