Israel’s parliament has postponed a vote on a bill that would formally recognize the Armenian Genocide, despite the proposal having already received unanimous approval from the Israeli government.
JNS, citing an unnamed official, reported that the vote was delayed on Sunday. No official explanation was provided, although the outlet suggested the decision came against the backdrop of a sensitive diplomatic period marked by renewed tensions involving Israel, the United States and Iran, as well as Turkey’s efforts to secure US-made F-35 fighter jets during the recent NATO summit.
JNS also noted that the Knesset is preparing to begin its summer recess and is not expected to reconvene until after Israel’s October 27 elections.
The proposal was introduced by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who previously described recognizing the Armenian Genocide as “a moral duty.” JNS reported that it sought comment from Sa’ar regarding the postponement but had not received a response.
The initiative drew a cautious reaction from Armenia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan declined to comment on Israel’s decision in June, saying Yerevan did not wish to engage in what he described as the “weaponization” of the Armenian Genocide.
The proposal also prompted strong criticism from Turkey and Azerbaijan. Ankara, which rejects the characterization of the 1915 mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide, accused Israel of attempting to divert attention from its actions in Gaza.
Azerbaijan, a close ally of both Turkey and Israel, described the proposal as “a matter of serious concern” and urged Israel to reconsider what it called a distortion of the historical events of 1915.
Earlier, Israeli outlet Ynet, citing unnamed Azerbaijani officials, reported that the Israeli government’s decision had caused a deeper rift in relations with Baku than had been publicly acknowledged. The report says that Azerbaijani officials viewed the move as Israel “crossing a red line” and expressed disappointment that they learned of the decision only after it had been made public.
Photo: The Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, Tsitsernakaberd, in Yerevan. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
