Haaretz: Israel to not benefit from recognition of "Armenian genocide"

Israel сhose a bad moment to recognise the “Armenian genocide,” Israel’s Haaretz newspaper writes, citing diplomatic sources. 

The paper noted that the decision comes just as Armenia is trying to normalise relations with Türkiye and Azerbaijan. 

The report said the recognition was announced unexpectedly, without prior consultations with the Armenian government or officials at Armenia's foreign ministry, despite its potential diplomatic implications.

The timing of the decision has raised questions, as Armenia is engaged in negotiations aimed at normalising ties with both Türkiye and Azerbaijan following years of regional tensions. According to an Israeli diplomatic source, Israel has nothing to gain from this decision.

The newspaper said the reaction within Armenia was mixed. Rather than welcoming the move, many social media users questioned Israel's motives, with some openly mocking it as an attempt to "atone for its sins" through the recognition, the paper states.

The report also described Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's response as restrained.

Haaretz further reported that officials in Azerbaijan were surprised by Israel's announcement. Despite close strategic ties between Israel and Azerbaijan, including cooperation in defence, intelligence and energy, Baku was not informed before the declaration was made.

According to the newspaper, Azerbaijan has called on the Israeli government to reconsider its decision.

By Sabina Mammadli