Israel-Azerbaijan Relations Strain Deepens After Armenian Genocide Recognition
Israel's government decision to officially recognize the Armenian genocide has sparked a significant diplomatic crisis with Azerbaijan, far more severe than initially apparent. Sources familiar with the bilateral relations revealed that Azerbaijani officials view Israel's move as crossing a "red line," especially since Israel did not reciprocate Azerbaijan's support during recent conflicts. Azerbaijani leadership expressed deep disappointment over the decision and the message it conveys. Contrary to impressions, Israeli Foreign Minister Gadi Eizenkot only informed his Azerbaijani counterpart after the recognition was publicly announced, which Azerbaijan perceived as a fait accompli rather than a consultative dialogue.
Azerbaijan's sensitivity to the issue stems from its own painful history, including a war with Armenia about six years ago that resulted in thousands of Azerbaijani civilian casualties and the displacement of nearly one million Azerbaijanis from Nagorno-Karabakh in the early 1990s. This remains a national trauma. Baku also condemns the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), which played a key role in promoting international recognition of the Armenian genocide, accusing it of fueling narratives that Azerbaijan sees as biased and unfair.
Azerbaijan expected Israel to show sensitivity given accusations against Israel of genocide in Gaza and perceived parallels drawn by some groups. Azerbaijani officials feel Israel failed to appreciate their sensitivities and did not reciprocate Azerbaijan's restraint on contentious issues like Gaza, Lebanon, or Iran despite international pressure. They question why Israel would jeopardize relations with one of its most friendly countries, noting the absence of antisemitism in Azerbaijan, growing Israeli tourism, and expanding direct flights between Baku and Tel Aviv.
Previously, when the Israeli Knesset considered similar recognition, then-Foreign Minister Yair Lapid consulted Azerbaijani officials and refrained from public declarations after hearing their objections. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia reportedly believe such recognition harms peace efforts and benefits Russia and Iran. Armenia's prime minister also opposed Israel's recognition, which was expected to support Armenia. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan hopes the crisis will not deepen and expects the Knesset to avoid advancing or approving the recognition further.
