Azerbaijan on Monday condemned Israel's decision to officially recognize the mass killings of Armenians during World War I as a genocide, a move that strains ties between the two allied nations. Baku's foreign ministry expressed serious concern over the announcement, made by Israel on Sunday, and warned it could undermine bilateral relations.
Background of the Genocide Recognition
Israel's recognition marks a significant shift in its foreign policy, as successive Israeli governments had avoided such a step to preserve ties with Turkiye, once a key strategic partner. However, relations between Israel and Turkiye have deteriorated sharply since the Gaza war, with Ankara repeatedly accusing Israel of genocide in the Palestinian territory—a charge Israel denies. Armenia has long campaigned for international recognition of the 1915-1917 massacres under the Ottoman Empire, claiming 1.5 million Armenians died. Turkiye rejects the genocide label, arguing that both Armenians and Turks perished in the chaos of World War I, with a death toll in the hundreds of thousands.
Azerbaijan's Response
“Such actions do not contribute to reconciliation or mutual understanding,” the Azerbaijani foreign ministry stated. “Instead, they deepen existing divisions and undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. We call on the Israeli government to reconsider this decision.” Azerbaijan and Israel maintain extensive cooperation in defense and security, but Baku's closest foreign partner is Turkiye. The statement hinted that Israel's move could negatively affect their bilateral relationship.
Regional Context and Peace Efforts
Azerbaijan and Armenia, locked in a decades-long conflict over the Karabakh region—an Azerbaijani enclave controlled by Armenian separatists for three decades—have recently begun reducing tensions and moving toward a comprehensive peace deal. More than two dozen countries, including the United States, France, and Germany, have recognized the Armenian genocide. Israel's decision adds to this list but risks alienating both Azerbaijan and Turkiye, two important regional players.
