Doing the right thing in international relations can often seem difficult, especially when strategic interests are at stake, but this is the situation Israel finds itself in, and it has nothing to do with the war that currently consumes our minds.
Nadav Tamir, a former advisor to Israeli President Shimon Peres, wrote about this in his article published on the Israeli Ynet website. "Such is Israel's close relationship with Azerbaijan, Armenia's longtime rival. And yet, Jerusalem must overcome this and send a much-needed message of values-based foreign policy by recognizing the Armenian Genocide and opening an embassy in Yerevan. Yes, Azerbaijan will be unhappy. Baku supplies Israel with significant oil reserves and purchases advanced weaponry, which form an important part of Israel's defense strategy against regional threats, particularly Iran. But Azerbaijan will understand, because relations with Israel are bilateral, and Azerbaijan also benefits from it," he wrote.
Tamir also drew parallels between Armenia and Israel, the Armenian Genocide, and the Holocaust, noting that the two "non-Muslim civilizations" have more in common than meets the eye. in its strategic ties with Genocide recognition could once have jeopardized relations with Turkey, a NATO ally and key regional player.
However, Turkey's position in Israel's foreign policy calculations has changed dramatically, especially during the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In recent years, his outrageous comments, including comparing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler and his unfettered support for Hamas, have led to a serious strain on relations. There is little reason left for Israel to fear Turkish retaliation for recognizing the Armenian Genocide. In fact, taking such a step would send Ankara a very necessary message," he said.
