Why Armenians and Armenian Neighborhoods Are Being Attacked in Jerusalem: An Israeli Political Scientist Explains

Recently, in Israel—specifically in the city of Jerusalem—there have been frequent attacks on ethnic Armenians and Armenian holy sites by extreme nationalist Jews. Hraparak spoke with Israeli political scientist Yaron Weiss about these manifestations of hate and intolerance.

It is worth recalling that just days ago, a group of young Jews attacked Armenian youth returning home from work, spraying gas in their eyes. Earlier, Israeli soldiers had spat on a cross.

- What are the reasons behind the recent attacks on ethnic Armenians and the Armenian neighborhood?

"The newly formed government includes extremist parties that advocate for Jewish supremacy. The leaders of these parties have previously been arrested for participating in extremist activities. It is possible that they are encouraging young extremist Jews to attack Armenians."

- There was an attack on Iran. How do Israelis perceive the fact that the elections have just concluded, yet Netanyahu is already taking steps towards Iran?

"There is a consensus among the Israeli public regarding this issue, and there is support for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

- Do you think that Iran's response could lead to war?

"I hope that there will not be war between Israel and Iran. But if there is a war, I do not believe it will have a negative impact on Armenia. Armenia will only benefit from maintaining friendly relations with both Israel and Iran."

- Israel has been very active in our region over the past two years. Is this due to its goals against Iran?

"Israel's interest in the region is business-related. At the same time, it is possible that Israel has other motivations that are not disclosed. Without a doubt, having close relations with a country bordering Iran gives Israel a strategic advantage. I do not believe that Israel is interested in damaging its relations with Russia."

- Israel has allied relations with Azerbaijan and close ties with Turkey. Does this not make Israel an unfriendly country towards Armenia?

"I wholeheartedly support Armenia and Artsakh. I am very concerned about Israel's close cooperation with the tyrannical regimes of Azerbaijan and Turkey. Unfortunately, most of the Israeli media, which are funded by businesses and political parties, almost exclusively present the Azerbaijani narrative and rarely support the Armenian narrative. I believe that the presence of Israeli-produced weapons in the hands of Azerbaijani war criminals endangers Israel's security. My concern is that this weaponry could end up in Iran's hands, or, in the case of a coup in Azerbaijan, be directed against Israel. We have held protests in front of the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Israeli military factories. This was a protest against the danger of Israeli weapons being in the hands of Azerbaijanis. Ilham Aliyev is a war criminal. I hope that Armenia will work with human rights organizations to bring him to justice in an international tribunal for war crimes, or at least make him persona non grata everywhere. The murders of Armenian prisoners of war and peaceful civilians by Azerbaijani soldiers are horrifying. I am ashamed that Israeli officials maintain close ties with Azerbaijan."