Pakistan Minister Khawaja Asif Calls Israel 'Evil, Cancerous'; Netanyahu Hits Back

New Delhi: While a two-week ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump, is underway in the Middle East, Israel is relentlessly targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. Now ahead of the scheduled US-Iran talks in Islamabad on Friday, a diplomatic spat has broken out between Israel and Pakistan.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has now issued a controversial statement regarding this and accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Lebanon. 

In a social media post, the Pakistani Defence Minister leveled serious allegations against Israel, citing civilian deaths in Gaza, Iran, and now Lebanon. Israel has also issued a befitting reply to Khawaja Asif.

What is the controversial statement of Khawaja Asif? 

While Pakistan is claiming its role in the peace talks, its defence minister is issuing controversial statements. 

Taking to X, Khawaja 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."

What did Israel say? 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office called Asif's statement "outrageous." 

His office responded, saying, "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 Sa'ar also criticized Pakistan, calling it “blatant antisemitic blood”. He warned that calling Israel a cancer was tantamount to calling for its destruction and said the country would take all necessary steps to protect itself.

“Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction,” Sa’ar said.

Is there a rift between the two countries? 

This development comes at a time when Pakistan and Israel already lack formal diplomatic relations. Israel has traditionally avoided direct confrontation with Pakistan, but this time the reaction has highlighted the gravity of the situation. Israel's ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, recently stated that Israel does not consider Pakistan a credible mediator in peace talks.