Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday for the first time that he recognizes the genocide carried out by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks in the early 20th century.
Asked by businessman Patrick Bet-David on his podcast why Israel does not recognize the Armenian genocide, Netanyahu said, “I think we have. I think the Knesset passed a resolution to that effect,” though no such legislation has been passed into law.
A 2018 Knesset vote on recognizing the genocide was canceled due to a lack of coalition support.
Pressed on why no Israeli prime minister has recognized the genocide, Netanyahu responded, “I just did. Here you go,” the Times of Israel reported on Wednesday.
Netanyahu’s statement takes on particular weight, as Israel has long avoided officially recognizing the Ottoman slaughter of Christians during 1912-1923, “though PM seems to signal change in stance as ties with Turkey continue to deteriorate,” the newspaper noted.
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
Ankara categorically denies that the mass extermination of Armenians, Assyrians and Pontus Greeks constitutes genocide, characterizing such reports as “historical distortion”.
Relations between Israel and Turkey have remained particularly strained in recent years, especially against the backdrop of the conflict in Gaza.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly compared Israel’s actions to those of the Nazi regime, leading to further alienation of the two countries.
PS This is beyond parody. Netanyahu appears to have lost it under the pressure of the international community on Gaza genocide and he apparently tries to save face with thoughtless fireworks that have no meaning nor they will bring him new allies or strengthen his relations with old ones, like Greece.
Well, if there’s someone qualified to recognise genocide, I guess it’s him.
Does anyone care what this idiot says?
Very nice of the monster netanyahu to acknowledge the geocide by the Ottomans. now when is he going to recognise the genocide of palestinians by his government?