Israel’s cabinet has unanimously voted to recognize the Ottoman Empire’s mass killings of Armenians during World War I as genocide. This decision arrives amidst a significant downturn in Israeli-Turkish relations, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The move is anticipated to provoke strong condemnation from Turkey, which disputes the characterization of the events as genocide. Historically, Israel has avoided using the term “genocide” to describe the Armenian killings, largely to maintain diplomatic ties with Turkey. However, recent tensions have seemingly shifted that policy. The proposal’s approval signals a clear hardening of Israel’s stance and a willingness to prioritize other considerations over maintaining a stable relationship with Ankara. This action is expected to further complicate already fragile diplomatic efforts between the two nations.