Israel’s Armenian Genocide recognition a ‘childish mistake,’ expert claims

· July 3, 2026

The foreign policy expert calls the decision a ‘childish mistake,’ while leaders of Azerbaijan’s Jewish communities urge Israeli lawmakers to oppose the move.

Prof. Efraim Inbar speaks at a conference in Jerusalem, February 3, 2014.

(photo credit: FLASH90)

ByJERUSALEM POST

Israel’s decision to recognize the Armenian Genocide has drawn criticism from Azerbaijan’s Jewish community as well as Israeli foreign policy experts.

Prof. Efraim Inbar, president of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security (JISS) and an expert on Israeli-Turkish relations, described the decision in an interview with Kol Barama Radio on Thursday as “a childish and petty mistake” that could carry diplomatic consequences for Israel.

According to Inbar, the decision appears to be an attempt to “hit the Turks,” but could instead harm Azerbaijan, which he described as a “strategic asset” and a country that maintains a deep strategic partnership with Israel.

Inbar argued that foreign policy should not be driven by historical revenge but by present-day national interests. If Israel wishes to confront Turkey, he said, it should do so “quietly and wisely,” rather than through symbolic political gestures that risk alienating moderate actors and undermining strategic partnerships.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Israel left the country after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced plans to advance recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The reason for his departure has not been officially disclosed, and it has not been officially confirmed whether he was called back to Baku for consultations.

Azerbaijan Jewish communities ask Knesset not to recognize the Armenian Genocide

At the same time, the leaders of Azerbaijan’s three Jewish communities appealed to members of the Knesset not to support initiatives recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The letter was signed by Milikh Yevdayev, chairman of the Mountain Jewish Community of Baku, Alexander Sharovsky, chairman of the Ashkenazi Jewish Community of Baku, and Rabbi Zamir Isayev, chairman of the Sephardic Jewish Community of Baku.

In their letter, the community leaders argued that complex historical issues should be examined by historians and experts rather than decided through political resolutions. They warned that such a move could complicate the peace process in the South Caucasus at a sensitive time, as efforts continue to advance a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Rabbi Isayev reiterated that message in an interview with JNews, saying that “historical issues should not become political decisions.” He argued that such determinations risk turning historical disputes into diplomatic tools rather than leaving them to professional historical research and academic debate.

The criticism from Prof. Inbar and Azerbaijan’s Jewish community leaders follows Azerbaijan’s official condemnation of the Israeli government’s decision. Baku said the move would harm bilateral relations with Israel and called on Jerusalem to reconsider its decision.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also stopped short of welcoming Israel’s decision, saying Armenia opposes efforts by third countries to turn the issue of the Armenian Genocide into a political tool against Turkey.

You may also like...

• 0

  Jerusalem names square after Armenian Genocide survivor and iconic photographer Elia Kahvedjian

  July 8, 2025

   by Gohar Grigoryan · Published July 8, 2025

• 0

  Armenia: A future colored by hope Resilience a hallmark in once-embattled country celebrated for its history, natural beauty and passion for culture

  February 9, 2026

   by Gohar Grigoryan · Published February 9, 2026

• 0

  MFA of Armenia calls on the citizens of Armenia to temporarily refrain from visiting Lebanon

  August 5, 2024

   by Gohar Grigoryan · Published August 5, 2024