A row erupted between Israel and Pakistan after Islamabad defence Minister Khawaja Asif posted remarks targeting Israel for its military op in Lebanon, which he later deleted amid strong backlash.Israel on Friday sharply criticised the comments, questioning Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral player in ongoing regional diplomacy. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office described the remarks as “outrageous”, saying, “Pakistan Defence Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous.” It further rejected Islamabad’s mediation role and saying it will defend itself against “terrorists” who seek the destruction of Tel Aviv.
“This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace,” it added.The controversy comes at a sensitive moment, with Pakistan credited for brokering a temporary two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, and preparing to host fresh peace talks in Islamabad. The episode risks complicating those diplomatic efforts.In the now-deleted posts, Khawaja Asif had described Israel as “evil” and a “curse for humanity”, and called “to get rid of European Jews”. He also linked the diplomatic push to developments on the ground, saying, “peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon”.“Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated,” Khawaja Asif had said. He added, “I hope and pray that the people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews [sic] burn in hell.”
Now deleted: Khwaja Asif’s X post
Separately, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the remarks, calling them “blatant antisemitic blood libels” and asserting that Israel would defend itself against those who threaten its existence.
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A US rep Rep Josh Gottheimer also criticised Khawaja Asif’s remarks calling it “hateful rhetoric”.Notably, Pakistan does not formally recognise Israel, a factor that could complicate its role as mediator, and has insisted the ceasefire must include Lebanon, a condition Israel disputes.
