“Ramgavar Mamoul” interviews ADL Central Board member Hagop Andresyan:
– In recent days, the situation has again become tense in certain areas of Jerusalem, particularly in the “Sheikh Jarrah” district. What is the reason?
The events in “Sheikh Jarrah” and, in general, the recent unrest in Jerusalem are the result of very different factors and circumstances. As Israel often repeats and asserts that Jerusalem is united, in reality this is not so. Jerusalem has one municipality and one mayor, East Jerusalem — where only Arabs live — and West Jerusalem, which is inhabited, for the most part, by Jews. East Jerusalem is a neglected part, while the western part is an area built in the most modern style, clean and where the laws are upheld. Let me also not forget to mention that the mayor is always a Jew.
This is one part of the problem; however, the most important thing is the political question. The Palestinians will never accept Israeli rule over Jerusalem, and these problems are also connected to instructions coming “from above,” and are the consequence of statements made by various political figures.
Let me not forget to say that today’s Palestinian youth no longer fear the Jews and are trying to confront the Israeli army, even without weapons.
– We also note that on the domestic political front the situation is not normal, and Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently became prime minister again, has serious problems in forming a new government. What are the reasons, and is a resolution imminent?
First, let me remind you that in the last parliamentary elections, Netanyahu lost his majority; new forces emerged that are very strong opponents of Netanyahu, who, being under various accusations, also faces legal problems. Netanyahu failed to form a government within the time allotted to him. Now the president has entrusted the task of forming a government to the leader of the opposition front, Yair Lapid. It is believed that within a week Lapid will be able to form a government, and in that regard the country is in a state of anticipation.
– What do you mean when you say Netanyahu lost his majority?
By majority, I mean that Netanyahu has the largest number of parliamentarians, but, nevertheless, he cannot secure the necessary 61 votes to be able to form a government. The opposition front can secure those 61 votes, but in their case too, 61 votes are not enough, because the opposition front is a union of many parties that will have to form a coalition and then form a government.
– In recent days, more than one Israeli newspaper has published reports that Israel’s Knesset (Parliament) will finally recognize the fact of the Armenian Genocide, and this could take place particularly as a consequence of US President Joe Biden’s influential statement. In your opinion, is that step likely?
If Lapid can become prime minister, yes, there are great hopes that Israel too will recognize the Armenian Genocide.
– Some analysts express the opinion that Netanyahu, in order to strengthen his presence on the domestic front, will try to strike the Gaza Strip. Is the likelihood of military action great? What do you think?
Netanyahu will do everything to thwart the formation of a new government by Lapid. From this perspective, it is not far-fetched that Netanyahu will provoke “small” wars, in the direction of Gaza or Lebanon.
