AZE.US
Israel’s government-level move on recognizing the Armenian Genocide is primarily a political signal to Turkey, Armenian political commentator David Stepanian said in an interview with “Noyan Tapan In Russian.”
Stepanian, an associate expert at the Armenian Institute of International and Security Affairs, said the decision should be viewed less through the prism of Armenian-Israeli relations and more through the growing rivalry between Israel and Turkey in the Middle East.
According to him, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Turkey and Turkey-linked forces gained significant influence in Syria. Israel, he said, perceived this as a serious challenge, seeing a new stage of competition for regional influence.
“There is a struggle between Turkey and Israel for influence in the Middle East,” Stepanian said.
He argued that Israel is using the Armenian Genocide issue as a political tool in its confrontation with Ankara. Turkey, meanwhile, has repeatedly accused Israel of actions against Palestinians in Gaza and described them as genocide.
In that context, Stepanian said, Israel’s move can be seen as a response to Turkey.
“If you accuse us of committing genocide in Gaza, then remember who you are,” he said, describing the likely political message to Ankara.
Stepanian stressed that this is not yet final recognition by Israel. He said final recognition would require action by the Knesset.
He also did not rule out that Israel may have additional goals, including a broader attempt to expand its presence in the South Caucasus. According to Stepanian, Israel already has influence in Azerbaijan and maintains good relations with Georgia, while Armenia remains the only country in the region where Israel does not have a full embassy.
If Russia is gradually losing political and military-political influence in Armenia, Stepanian said, Armenia is opening up to other outside players, including Israel.
Commenting on Azerbaijan’s possible reaction, Stepanian said Baku would likely limit itself to a political expression of solidarity with Turkey, while practical relations with Israel would remain unchanged.
He said Azerbaijani-Israeli cooperation is mutually beneficial, with Israel supplying arms to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan supplying energy resources to Israel.
“These relations are not going anywhere,” Stepanian said.
AZE.US