Jerusalem – The Israeli parliament has begun a debate over whether to recognize the mass killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I as genocide.
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Such a move would enrage Turkey and further strain the already tense ties between the two countries.
For years, Israel has refrained from commenting on the matter for fear of angering Turkey, which until recently was its closest ally in the Muslim world. But as ties have frayed under the Islamic-oriented rule of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Israel appears to be changing course.
Parliament speaker Reuven Rivlin denied that Tuesday’s debate was related to deteriorating ties with Turkey. In a radio interview, he said there is no intent to provoke, only to remember.
It was unclear if there would be a vote Tuesday.
If Israel wants the rest of the world to recognize the Shoah, then Israel must recognize the Turkish genocide of the Armenians. Turkey is already writting Israel off.
That’s funny! I voted all by myself with no opposition on that matter years ago! and you know what? Many people voted! Can someone explain what difference it is if israeli law makers vote on it (which will only enrage turkey, which I don’t mind!) or I vote for it!
“Who after all speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?” – Hitler, August 22, 1939
Israel’s relations with Turkey are deteriorating already. Why should Israel continue to join in Turkey’s hypocrisy in denying the Armenian genocide that inspired the Jewish one (see quote, above)?
The Germans have acknowledged the guilt of their ancestors. Its time the Turks did the same.
I really don’t understand Turkey’s resistance to an obvious fact. It has such a moral benefit to justice and Turks themselves. From political standpoint it does not have any effect on Turkey.
The Turkish slaughter, the fact that Turkey committed genocide against the Armenian people is a historical fact! It’s not a debatable issue! If the world is expected to refute the shoah deniers, we must not deny Turkey’s role in the mass slaughter, genocide of the Armenians.
relation haven’t strained because of an “Islamic government” in Turkey. In case we all forgot Shayetet 13 murdered 9 Turkish citizens in International Waters. Have we forgotten they’ve put a good portion of Israels military leadership in trial?