On 10th April (Friday), Israel strongly retaliated after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif referred to the country as “evil,” “curse for humanity” and “cancerous” as well as lashed out at those who created it to “get rid of European Jews” to “burn in hell”.
Asif was venting his hate against Israel for its strikes against Lebanon during the fragile and controversial ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office termed the remarks as outrageous which cannot be tolerated.
It read, “Pakistan Defence Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. 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.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar shared similar sentiments, insinuating Pakistan as a “terrorist” for the first time. He warned, “Israel views very gravely these blatant Antisemitic blood libels from a government claiming to mediate peace. Calling the Jewish state cancerous is effectively calling for its annihilation. Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction.”
Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Yechiel (Michael) Leiter, noted that Pakistan is employing a language similar to that of the Iranian Ayatollahs, who proclaimed “Death to Israel.” He added, “You are not a mediator Mr. Asif, you are the problem. Even if it is to your dismay, Israel is here to stay. That’s not for negotiation.”
On 9th April (Thursday), Asif wrote, “Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while 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. I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews, burn in hell.”
He was forced to delete the post after the severe backlash.
Tel Aviv has traditionally steered away from direct confrontation with Pakistan in the absence of diplomatic ties. However, the firm response from the Israeli leadership marks a major shift from the earlier norm. Furthermore, the Jewish state has conveyed its skepticism regarding the alleged “broker” involved in the crisis in West Asia. “We don’t trust Pakistan as it sponsors terrorism, relying on our American friends to address situation,” highlighted Israeli ambassador to India Reuven Azar. According to reports, Islamabad was selected by Washington for negotiations with Tehran solely due to its status as an Islamic nation.
Hezbollah, which is located in Lebanon and is supported by Iran, had launched missiles towards Israeli cities following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after which Israel launched an unrelenting military campaign against the group.
