Overview
- The Israeli cabinet has approved a formal recognition of the Armenian genocide, but the measure still requires a full Knesset vote before it becomes binding.
- Azerbaijan issued an official condemnation and said the move could harm bilateral relations built on defense, intelligence and energy cooperation.
- Leaders of Azerbaijan's three Jewish communities wrote to Knesset members urging them not to ratify recognition, warning it could erode trust and complicate peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
- Reports from unnamed sources say Azerbaijan's ambassador to Israel left the country after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar announced plans to advance recognition, though the departure has not been officially confirmed.
- Israeli experts and Armenia's prime minister cautioned against politicizing the issue, saying the step could carry real security and diplomatic costs for Israel and affect fragile regional diplomacy.