Armenia opposes ‘weaponisation’ of 1915 events after Israeli recognition

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Monday said Armenia sees no need to respond to Israel's recognition of the 1915 events as genocide, arguing that avoiding the "weaponisation" of the issue is in the interest of Yerevan. Speaking at a briefing, Pashinyan underlined that it is in Armenia’s interest not to misuse the issue, according to state news agency Armenpress. “We see no need to respond,” he added.

Israeli recognition and Turkish response

On Sunday, the Israeli cabinet approved a proposal to designate the 1915 events as a genocide. Later in the day, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the Israeli government is seeking “to cover up its own crimes” through a politically motivated decision. Türkiye objects to the presentation of the 1915 incidents as “genocide,” describing them as a tragedy in which both sides suffered casualties. Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Türkiye and Armenia, as well as international experts, to tackle the issue.

Context for Türkiye

For Ankara, the Israeli decision is seen as an attempt to shift attention away from its actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Türkiye has consistently called for historical facts to be established through objective research rather than political declarations. The Armenian prime minister’s decision not to respond may reflect a desire to avoid further straining Armenia‑Türkiye relations, which have been undergoing a fragile normalisation process since 2020. Turkish officials have welcomed Pashinyan’s restrained approach, viewing it as constructive.