From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
In first, Netanyahu says he recognizes the Armenian genocide
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says for the first time that he recognizes the genocide carried out by Ottoman Empire against Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks in the early 20th century.
Asked by Patrick Bet David on his podcast why Israel doesn’t recognize the Armenian genocide, Netanyahu says, “I think we have. I think the Knesset passed a resolution to that effect,” though no such legislation has been passed into law.
Pressed on why no Israeli prime minister has, Netanyahu responds, “I just did. Here you go.”
BREAKING!
Prime Minister @Netanyahu OFFICIALLY recognizes the Armenian, Assyrian & Greek genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire. pic.twitter.com/fLtsr41YRy
— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) August 26, 2025
Israel has refrained from recognizing the genocide over fears it could harm its relationship with Turkey — the successor state to the Ottoman Empire — which hotly denies any such genocide occurred.
Ties with Turkey are at a nadir, with diplomatic ties largely suspended and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regularly comparing Israel to Nazis over the war in Gaza.
The Times of Israel Community.