Your trusted source

Israeli media widely covered the Armenian government’s September 18 decision to open an embassy in Tel Aviv in near future, with some news agencies referring to it as ‘breaking news.’

In a statement on Thursday the Israeli Foreign Ministry said it 'warmly welcomes' the decision, adding the mission is expected to open “at the earliest possible time”, ideally sometime between late 2019 and early 2020.

“This decision reflects well the significant progress in bilateral relations between the two states over the past year,” the ministry said.

“The opening of the embassy is a new and important chapter in bilateral relations and we are confident that this will further strengthen the friendship between the two peoples and enhance cooperation between the states in all areas.”

Foreign Minister Israel Katz also welcomed Armenia’s declared intention as a “significant step” for bilateral relations, noting that its embassy would be the 90th foreign embassy in Israel. “Certainly, this is indicative of the steady rise in Israel’s strengthening position in the world. We will continue to work to strengthen Israel’s international relations,” he said.

Diplomatic relations between the countries were established in April 1992. Israel in 2017 appointed a non-resident ambassador to Armenia, Eliyahu Yerushalmi, who resides in Jerusalem. 

According to The Times of Israel ties between Jerusalem and Yerevan are solid, despite Israel’s steadfast refusal to recognize the Armenian genocide, which was committed by Ottoman Turks a century ago.