Israel’s Recognition of the Armenian Genocide: A Strategic and Moral Imperative

Why It Is Strategically Important for Israel to Recognize the Armenian Genocide

The Republic of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora have long recognized the Holocaust and its atrocities, standing in solidarity with the Jewish people who endured one of history’s most heinous crimes. Given the firsthand experience of Armenians with ethnic cleansing and genocide, one might assume that Israel and its global diaspora, having faced the unimaginable horrors of World War II, would naturally reciprocate by recognizing the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Yet, despite this moral and historical alignment, Israel has yet to take this step. The question arises: What is the catch?

The hesitation stems from a range of geopolitical and strategic considerations. One of the primary concerns is the potential damage such recognition could inflict on Israel’s relations with Turkey and, consequently, Azerbaijan. Turkey has consistently denied the Armenian Genocide, and its government maintains a rigid stance against any international acknowledgment. Azerbaijan, a crucial supplier of petroleum and a significant client for Israeli military technology, aligns closely with Turkey on this issue. Despite Turkey’s aggressive and often antagonistic rhetoric toward Israel, largely to appease domestic Muslim constituencies and the broader Arab world, realpolitik dictates that Turkey and Azerbaijan remain key strategic partners for Israel, both economically and geopolitically.

The Geopolitical Dilemma

The primary obstacle to Israel’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide is its strategic relationship with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Recognition would severely damage diplomatic ties with Ankara, a historically significant partner despite its often-hostile rhetoric towards Israel. While Turkey frequently criticizes Israel, particularly to appease domestic and regional Muslim populations, its realpolitik approach maintains crucial economic and security cooperation with the Israeli government.

More critically, Azerbaijan, a major supplier of petroleum and an important client for Israeli military technology, could view such recognition as an affront. Given Azerbaijan’s close alliance with Turkey, Israeli decision-makers weigh the economic and strategic consequences of such an acknowledgment against its potential benefits.

The Potential Benefits of Recognition

Political decisions are primarily driven by pragmatism and national interests. Israel’s recognition of the Armenian Genocide will likely only materialize if it aligns with its foreign policy objectives and yields tangible benefits. However, there is a compelling argument that such a move could serve Israel’s interests in the long run, particularly from a soft power perspective.

Internationally, recognition could bolster Israel’s standing within the United Nations, judiciary bodies, and humanitarian institutions. In light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israel faces mounting scrutiny and allegations on the world stage, After the horrific massacre and acts of terrorism on October 7, in which Israeli civilians were brutally attacked, and entire families, including children and women, were kidnapped to be used as political bargaining chips.

A commitment to historical justice and human rights could enhance its diplomatic leverage and improve its global image. Moreover, it could foster closer ties with countries that prioritize human rights and historical accountability, helping to offset political pressure from adversarial nations.

Furthermore, Israel has a small Jewish community living in Armenia in peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, the Armenian community in Jerusalem does not experience the same stability, facing land seizures and mistreatment. These incidents are well-documented and continue to unfold. Addressing these disparities through historical acknowledgment could be a step toward mending strained relations.

Recent Political Signals

Israel’s position on the Armenian Genocide has occasionally surfaced in its diplomatic exchanges. On January 12, 2024, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz referenced the Armenian Genocide in response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s support for South Africa’s complaint at the International Court of Justice, which accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Katz tweeted:

“The president of Turkey Erdogan, from a country with the Armenian genocide in its past, now boasts of targeting Israel with unfounded claims. We remember the Armenians, the Kurds. Your history speaks for itself. Israel stands in defense, not destruction, against your barbarian allies.”

This inflammatory remark suggests that Israel could potentially use recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a geopolitical tool. If Turkey continues to escalate its anti-Israel rhetoric and support for adversarial causes, Israel may retaliate by officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide, an act that would deal a significant blow to Turkey’s longstanding policy of denial.

Strategic Gains and the Armenian Diaspora

Beyond international institutions, Israel stands to gain respect and credibility by aligning itself with historical truth. The Armenian diaspora, comprising over 10 million people across geopolitically significant nations, could become a valuable ally. While many Armenians feel alienated due to Israel’s arms sales to Azerbaijan, a formal recognition of their historical suffering would resonate deeply within this influential global community. Additionally, such a move would position Israel on the right side of history, reinforcing its commitment to moral integrity and historical justice.

Conclusion

At its core, geopolitics is a highly intricate and multifaceted domain. Every decision carries profound consequences, including potential shifts in Israeli-Iranian relations and broader regional stability. While a single article cannot encapsulate the full spectrum of complexities surrounding this issue, it is evident that strategic recognition of the Armenian Genocide could serve Israel’s long-term interests, both diplomatically and morally. Ultimately, all nations must navigate these challenges with the hope of fostering peace and prosperity in the region.

Disclaimer: The perspectives expressed in this article are based on geopolitical analyses and historical considerations. This article does not serve as an endorsement of any political position or foreign policy strategy. Readers are encouraged to conduct further research and consider multiple viewpoints when forming their opinions, Everything I write in my articles is my own work and reflects my ideas, and do not represent any institution or organization or government, I use AI solely for reorganizing and refining the text to align with a professional article format.