Israel's government voted unanimously on Sunday to recognize the mass killings of Armenians in the early 20th century during World War I as a genocide.
This decision reflects deteriorating ties between Israel and Turkey. Successive Israeli governments had previously avoided formally recognizing the genocide in part to preserve relations with Turkey, which was once one of Israel's closest strategic partners in the region.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that Israel has fulfilled a moral duty by recognizing the historical truth and rejecting attempts to deny it. The step still requires approval in Parliament.