Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has sharply condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following his acknowledgment of the 1915 killings of Armenians as genocide, calling it a political move rather than historical recognition.
What Happened
During an interview on the US-based PBD podcast late Tuesday, host Patrick Bet-David, who has Armenian ancestry, asked Netanyahu why Israel had not officially recognized the Armenian genocide. The prime minister responded simply: “I just did.”
Turkey immediately issued a statement denouncing the comment, claiming Netanyahu was attempting “to exploit past tragedies for political reasons” and divert attention from alleged crimes against the Palestinian people.
Who Is Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s current prime minister and a highly prominent figure in Middle Eastern politics. He has faced criticism and legal scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and currently has an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes related to the conflict with Hamas.
Background or Timeline
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1915–1917: The Ottoman Empire carried out mass killings of Armenians, resulting in the deaths of up to 1.5 million people.
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August 26, 2025: Netanyahu publicly acknowledged the Armenian genocide during an interview.
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August 2025: Turkey condemns the acknowledgment, framing it as politically motivated.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The acknowledgment has sparked significant debate globally. Armenian communities and genocide scholars welcomed the recognition, while Turkey’s government, officials, and allied media criticized it as a “political maneuver.” Social media platforms saw trending discussions around historical accountability, Israeli politics, and Turkish-Armenian relations.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry called Netanyahu’s remarks an attempt to “cover up the crimes he and his government has committed” in Gaza, signaling continued diplomatic tension between Turkey and Israel. Analysts suggest the comment could strain relations further and potentially influence ongoing Middle Eastern and international political discussions.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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