System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian has condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for recognizing the Armenian genocide of 1915.
Tankian, who is of Armenian descent, accused the Israeli government of using the genocide for political advantage. He said the recognition came as Israel faces accusations over its actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
In Instagram stories, Tankian stated that for many years Israel had lobbied against US recognition of the genocide due to ties with Turkey. He added that the current decision by the Netanyahu cabinet was the worst thing they could have done to Armenians.
Netanyahu said his country had fulfilled a moral duty by recognizing the historical truth. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has distanced his government from the move, stating there is no need for a response to avoid weaponization of the issue.
System of a Down are currently on a 2026 UK and European stadium tour that began in Sweden on June 29.
