Historian: Armenian Genocide recognition is not in interests of Israel

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute of the NAS of Armenia Suren Manukyan gave two explanations over not holding a voting on the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution by the Israeli Parliament (the Knesset) and sending it to the Education and Culture Committee.

First of all, Israel has a unique approach towards the Armenian, and the other genocides in general. “From this perspective it is difficult to say whether in the nearest future the Armenian Genocide will be recognized by that country. Majority of Israel’s elite views the Holocaust as an exclusive event, the only genocide, and from this point of view, it is difficult to imagine that they will make similar decision on the Armenian Genocide”, he said in an interview with “Armenpress”.

Then, there is a state in the Middle East with which the relations of Israel are sometimes worsening, and vice versa, are improving. It conducts long-term policy with that state which is Turkey. Thus, the Armenian Genocide recognition is not in the interests of Israel.

“The issue will be regularly discussed in the Israeli Parliament’s agenda, and it is very good since it will become a topic of discussion, but I don’t think Israel will recognize the Armenian Genocide in the nearest future. There is no problem within the public sector, in many cases consensus exists within the Israeli scientific circles who admit that what happened is genocide, but at this stage I exclude this issue will find positive solution within the political circles”, Manukyan said.

On July 5, the 3rd debate on the Armenian Genocide issue took place in the Israeli Parliament. The debate was initiated by Zehava Gal-On, President of the Meretz party. The Israeli Parliament sent the Armenian Genocide resolution to the Education and Culture Committee.