System Of A Down Frontman Criticizes Netanyahu Over Armenian Genocide Recognition

Following Israel's unanimous government approval on June 28, 2026, to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, Serj Tankian, lead singer of the American-Armenian metal band System Of A Down, sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration. In an Instagram story video, Tankian accused the Israeli government of exploiting Armenian history and suffering for political gain. He condemned Israel's previous stance, which he said was influenced by its ties with Turkey and intelligence cooperation, preventing recognition for years.

Tankian expressed outrage that Netanyahu's government, which he accused of committing genocide in Gaza and Lebanon, chose to recognize the 1915 Armenian Genocide, a tragedy that inspired Hitler's atrocities against Jews. He called this decision "the worst thing" the government could do to Armenians and ended his message with an explicit rebuke directed at Netanyahu.

System Of A Down, formed in California in 1994 by Armenian-American members, is known for blending metal music with political and social messages, particularly advocating for Armenian Genocide recognition. The band has sold tens of millions of albums worldwide and won a Grammy in 2006 for their song "B.Y.O.B."

The Israeli government's recognition followed a proposal by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who stated, "It is never too late to do the right thing." This move is expected to further strain Israel's already tense relations with Turkey, with whom Israel has historically avoided formal recognition to maintain diplomatic ties.