Armenia Rejects 'Weaponization' of 1915 Events Following Israeli Recognition

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Monday that his government will not issue a formal response to the recent Israeli cabinet decision recognizing the 1915 events as genocide.

Speaking at a press briefing, Pashinyan stated that avoiding the “weaponization” of the historical issue aligns with Yerevan's strategic interests.

State news agency Armenpress reported that the Armenian leadership views any engagement with politically motivated misuses of the 1915 events as detrimental to the country.

Pashinyan maintained that it remains in the national interest not to enter into the weaponization of the topic.

Israeli Recognition and Regional Backlash

The Israeli cabinet formally approved a proposal on Sunday to designate the 1915 events as a genocide.

The move prompted immediate diplomatic pushback from Ankara.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement later that day, accusing the Israeli government of attempting to obscure its own actions through a politically motivated decision on the 1915 events.

Historical Context

Türkiye officially objects to framing the 1915 incidents as a genocide. Ankara describes the historical period as a tragedy that resulted in casualties on both sides.

To address the historical dispute, the Turkish government has consistently proposed establishing a joint commission.

This proposed body would comprise historians from both Türkiye and Armenia, along with international experts, to comprehensively evaluate the events.