Israel's government voted unanimously on Sunday to recognize the mass killings and violence against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I in the early 20th century as a genocide.
The decision reflects deteriorating ties between Israel and Turkey. Successive Israeli governments had previously avoided formally recognizing the Armenian 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 proposal still needs approval in Parliament.