Israel has suspended its push for an initiative to recognize the events of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire as the "Armenian genocide" following a sharp reaction from Azerbaijan. According to the Greek publication *ProtoThema*, Jerusalem decided not to advance the document further to avoid complicating relations with one of its strategic partners.

The publication reports that the initiative was drafted by the Israeli Foreign Ministry in late June and subsequently backed by the government. However, the document still required Knesset approval to take effect.

As *ProtoThema* notes, the move was initially intended primarily as a political signal to Turkey.

Political scientist Svetlana Kushnir, whose views were cited by the publication, believes Israel intended this as a response to harsh criticism from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding the war in the Gaza Strip.

Subsequently, the publication reports, Azerbaijan opposed the initiative. Baku stated that such decisions do not foster reconciliation but rather exacerbate regional divisions and hinder the achievement of lasting peace. Azerbaijani authorities urged Israel to reconsider its position.

According to *ProtoThema*, representatives of Azerbaijan's Jewish community, as well as a number of Israeli politicians and experts, also spoke out against the initiative. They argued that recognizing the events of 1915 would damage the strategic partnership between Baku and Jerusalem.

In particular, Efraim Inbar, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, described the initiative as a "pointless and childish mistake," stating that an attempt to send a political signal to Turkey should not jeopardize relations with Azerbaijan. The publication also notes that Armenia’s leadership has recently urged against using the events of 1915 as a tool for political pressure. In particular, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that politicizing this issue is not in the country's interests.

According to ProtoThema, Baku viewed the initiative as "crossing a red line." Consequently, the publication reports, Israeli authorities decided to halt the initiative's progress in the Knesset, taking into account Azerbaijan's stance and the potential impact on bilateral relations.

Israel and Azerbaijan are considered strategic partners. Baku supplies oil to Jerusalem, while Israel remains a key arms supplier to Azerbaijan. The two countries also cooperate extensively in the areas of security and intelligence.