Tel Aviv Responds to Turkey's Demand to Block Armenian Genocide Monument Installation

The Turkish ambassador in Israel has requested the country's government to prohibit the installation of a monument dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in Haifa.

The Haifa city council in Israel has decided to erect a monument in one of its central squares to honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide. According to the Israeli Ynet agency, this development has received a negative reaction from Turkey. Reports indicate that Turkish Ambassador Şakir Özkan Torunlar has sent an official letter to the head of Israel's Ministry of Culture, Miki Zohar, asking for assistance in preventing the monument's installation initiative. The minister has not responded and forwarded the diplomat's letter to the country’s Foreign Ministry. This was reported by Sputnik Armenia.

According to the news outlet, the leadership of the Foreign Ministry has held a consultation regarding the monument issue, and it was suggested that Torunlar's letter be left unanswered. If the Turkish side continues to assert claims regarding taking action, Ankara will be informed that this concerns a decision made by local authorities, not by the Israeli government or state institution. Local self-government bodies in Israel are endowed with broad powers and autonomy.