Yerevan /Mediamax/. A group of Israeli intellectuals and public figures has published an open letter regarding the war in Artsakh.

In particular, the letter reads:

“From a reading of independent accounts and analysis we have concluded that this outbreak of violence in the last few days is due solely to aggression of the Republic of Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey and backed up by fighters from elsewhere in the region.  This belligerence has been directed towards military and civilian targets in the Republic of Artsakh and its mainly Armenian population, and deserves to be condemned in no uncertain terms.  The response of the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia is clearly one of defense of population, property and territory, and should enjoy the support of those who cherish the principle of self-determination of peoples.”

The signees have addressed with “dismay” the matter of “Israeli arms sales to Azerbaijan in recent years, this being one component in the massive armament process in that country.”

“We call upon the Israeli government to cease immediately the sales of arms to Azerbaijan, pending a review of the issue by the government and Knesset.  Matters of would-be Realpolitik, as reflected here in arm sales, are not the only basis for foreign policy.  Certainly, one needs to question Israel’s role in an armament effort aimed mainly against a people that like the Jewish people suffered genocidal attacks in the twentieth century.  We call upon other Israelis to raise their voice on this important issue,” the letter reads.

The list of the signees is as follows:

Prof. Reuven Amitai

Prof. Yair Auron

Prof. Israel Charny

Ms. Moran Deitch

Prof. Benjamin Z. Kedar

Mr. Yoav Loeff

Prof. Benny Morris

Prof. Eli Richter

Prof. Donna Shalev

Mr. Marc Sherman

Prof. Michael Stone

Dr. Yana Tcheknanovets

Prof. Dror Zeevi