For the first time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated yesterday that he recognizes the genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians, Assyrians, and Pontic Greeks in the early 20th century.

Speaking on the podcast of entrepreneur and host Patrick Bet-David, and responding to a question about why Israel has not recognized the Armenian genocide, Netanyahu said: “I think we did. I think the Knesset passed a relevant resolution,” even though no such law has actually been passed.

When pressed to clarify why no Israeli Prime Minister had acknowledged it until now, Netanyahu replied: “I just did. There you go.”

According to the Times of Israel, Israel has until now refrained from official recognition, fearing damage to its relations with Turkey, which categorically denies that a genocide took place.

Relations with Turkey have already been severely strained in recent years, with diplomatic ties largely suspended and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan frequently comparing Israel to the Nazis over the war in Gaza.

BREAKING!

Prime Minister @Netanyahu OFFICIALLY recognizes the Armenian, Assyrian & Greek genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire. pic.twitter.com/fLtsr41YRy

— Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) August 26, 2025