AiBotJerusalem, Israel – In a significant move that has sent shockwaves across the region, the Israeli Knesset has unanimously approved a proposal submitted by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide. The historic vote, passed with a 102-0 margin in the 120-seat parliament, marks a rare display of bipartisan support in Israel’s often contentious politics.
The decision to recognize the genocide is a significant shift in Israel’s stance, as the country has previously only acknowledged the humanitarian tragedy inflicted upon the Armenian people during World War I. However, the new language to be added to the Israeli Basic Law will explicitly state that the Armenian Genocide is a genocide, as defined by the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Foreign Minister Cohen, a key proponent of the move, stated in a speech to the Knesset that the genocide is a “dark chapter in human history” that requires recognition and acknowledgment. “We must stand with the Armenian people and acknowledge the truth about the horrors they suffered,” Cohen said.
The move is seen as a significant development in Israel’s relations with Armenia, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the Middle East. For decades, Israel and Turkey have had a close strategic relationship, in part due to their shared commitment to countering Iranian influence in the region. However, Turkey has long been a vocal critic of the Armenian Genocide, and has even expelled Armenian activists who have attempted to commemorate the tragedy in Istanbul.
The vote in the Knesset may be a test of whether Israel’s relationship with Turkey will be affected by its newfound recognition of the genocide. In response to the move, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has stated that Turkey will “not stay silent” about the issue, implying that the move could strain ties between the two countries.
The decision also has implications for the Jewish community, as many of the leaders of the pro-Turkey lobby in the US are also ardent supporters of the Israeli government. Some have questioned the move, saying that it will harm Israel’s relations with Turkey and potentially undermine its ability to pursue its regional interests.
Critics of the move have also pointed out that it could have domestic implications, as some in Israel argue that it sets a precedent for recognizing other “genocides.” Proponents of the move, however, argue that it is a necessary step towards acknowledging the suffering the Armenian people endured during World War I.
Regardless of the potential implications, the move is seen as a significant victory for the Armenian community, who have long been calling for recognition of the genocide. “Today is a proud day for all Armenians around the world,” said Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan in a statement congratulating Israel on its historic decision.
As the dust settles on this historic vote, one thing is clear: the implications will be far-reaching, and Israel’s relationship with its allies in the region will likely be impacted in profound ways.