
ArmInfo.The ARF's Hay Dat Central Committee issued a statement regarding the Israeli Cabinet's recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire.
The statement from the Hay Dat Central Committee stated that on June 28, the Israeli government unanimously approved Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's proposal to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide.
"According to reports, the draft resolution on recognition will now be sent to parliament for adoption. In his speech, the minister noted that similar initiatives had been launched in the past, but they had not reached their logical conclusion.
The minister also stated that this was not a response to the "horrific rhetoric and hostile steps" directed against Israel under the leadership of the Turkish president, presumably alluding not only to Turkey but also to the numerous, valid allegations by members of the international community that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza," the statement reads.
It added that, given the fact that many Jewish figures spoke out about this even during the Genocide-as witnesses, and later as intellectuals, politicians, and members of the Meretz party-demanding that the State of Israel recognize the Armenian Genocide, Minister Saar is right when he asserts that it is never too late to do the right thing, as it is both a moral and historical duty.
"If and when this initiative reaches its logical conclusion and the Israeli parliament also approves recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a state position, we welcome such a position, while echoing Minister Saar's argument to Turkey that such recognition "does not grant it (in this case, Israel) immunity from historical truths," including its complicity in crimes committed against Armenians in Artsakh. At the same time, we expect Israel, which has recognized the Armenian Genocide, to assume its responsibility by promoting the perpetuation of its memory and combating its denial," the ARF statement reads.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry sharply criticized this Israeli initiative.