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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent comments about the so-called "Armenian genocide" have no connection to Armenia, characterizing them as merely a "bargaining chip."
Speaking at a press briefing in Yerevan, Pashinian responded to an interview in which Netanyahu mistakenly claimed that Israel's parliament, the Knesset, had adopted a resolution recognizing the so-called "Armenian Genocide."
"We need to figure out whether we want the recognition of the Armenian Genocide to become a geopolitical bargaining chip for those who have no connection to our reality and the interests of our people," Pashinian said.
The Armenian leader expressed doubt that his nation wants the sensitive issue to be confused or muddled during media interviews. He urged citizens to focus on the fundamental interests of the Armenian state rather than such statements.
"I do not want such an outcome," Pashinian stated, distancing Armenia from Netanyahu's remarks about the historical events.
Türkiye objects to the presentation of the 1915 incidents as "genocide," describing them as a tragedy in which both sides suffered casualties.
Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Türkiye and Armenia, along with international experts, to address the issue.
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The exchange comes as Netanyahu faces mounting international pressure over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Israel has killed nearly 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, with the military campaign devastating the enclave and creating famine conditions.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
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