Israeli parliament debates Armenian genocide recognition

On Tuesday the Israeli parliament debated whether to recognize the alleged Armenian genocide of 1915. After the meeting, the leader of the ruling coalition, Zeev Elkin, announced that lawmakers came close to recognition. It's quite clear, however, that this was the strangest meeting in the history of the Israeli parliament.

The bill was proposed by Zahava Galon, the chair of the Dovish Meretz party, and Arye Eldad of the Ihud Leumi party.

Before the meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Bebjamin Netanyahu asked the parliamentary speaker, Reuven Rivlin, not to include the issue on the agenda, but the speaker ignored Netanyahu's request. The speaker's decision seems very extraordinary.

Reuven Rivlin denied the debate was related to the deteriorating ties with Turkey. “The Turks will definitely be angry, but there is no intent to provoke, only to remember,” he said. “The free world must remember, to learn the lessons, so it won’t happen again.”

Robert Tivyayev of the Kadima party was the only one to openly oppose the bill. "The issue is very complicated. I believe first of all it should be examined by Turkish and Armenian historians. Israel should not interfere right now. It will only spoil our relations with Turkey," he said.

Tivlyayev's speech was interrupted by the speaker, who said "Thank you, Mister Tivyayev. Your position is quite clear. You oppose the recognition of the Armenian tragedy as such."

Pyotr Lyukimson, Israel. Exclusively to VK