Hot Debates Expected on the Armenian Genocide Issue in the Knesset (Exclusive from Israel)

• 07.04.2016, 15:11
•  Near East,  World,  Armenia

aljazeera.com

On July 5, the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) will mark the Armenian Genocide day. Discussions will be held on the issue, but whether the question of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide will be put for voting or no, still remains uncertain. Concerning the recent moves on the issue – on the one hand recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Bundestag, support of the French Parliament to the criminalization of Armenian Genocide denial, on the other hand the normalization of Turkish-Israeli relations, make expect hot debates and certain changes in the content of the discussions, as compared to other years.

"I was in Armenia a year ago, and was strongly affected by the pain of the Armenian people. The Armenians are still grieving over this pain and carry these memories with them. The fact that Germany recognized the genocide helps, of course. The more countries join in and recognize the genocide, the easier it will be to reach a decision," MK Nachman Shai (Zionist Union) said in a talk with "Armedia" IAA.

Referring to the issue of the possible impact of the normalization of relations between Israel and Turkey on the Armenian Genocide issue, MK Shai said: "Yes, Israel and Turkey renewed the diplomatic relations between them and it will not help us much. That does not change my belief that Israel should recognize the Armenian Genocide. We are obligated to do so, based on our values as a people and as a country."

Israeli Political Scientist Sivan Gaides, however, is not that optimistic regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. "I think that in light of the recent developments with Turkey and the general attempt to be on their "good side", I don't expect the Knesset taking any different approach towards the recognition of the Armenian genocide. Sadly, the members of the Knesset are not strong enough to take a stand with Armenia in this matter, and the Armenian memorial will stay the political card it's been for years," she told "Armedia" IAA.

Sivan Gaides expects a strong debate in the Knesset about Armenian Genocide, the opposition easing the issues Israel has against Turkey and talking about how the latest deal was a mistake. "But I doubt it'll lead into a full recognition of the genocide by the Israeli Knesset," Gaides concluded.

Though no serious steps forward on the Armenian Genocide issue is expected during tomorrow's Knesset session, the debates, discussions will more or less make it clear how much the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Bundestag has made Israel think towards that direction and how much the normalization of Turkish-Israeli relations influence and still will influence on the issue.