Israel has strongly criticised remarks made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, calling them “outrageous” and questioning Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral mediator in ongoing Middle East tensions.
In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said calls for Israel’s annihilation are unacceptable from any government, particularly one positioning itself as a facilitator of peace.
The response came after Mr Asif made controversial comments on social media, referring to Israel in highly critical terms and making remarks widely condemned as inflammatory.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also denounced the statements, terming them “blatantly antisemitic” and asserting that Israel will continue to defend itself against threats to its security.
Pakistan has recently been credited with mediating a temporary two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran and is expected to host further peace talks in the coming days. However, the latest remarks have cast a shadow over its role in the diplomatic process.
In his statement, Mr Asif also referred to ongoing conflicts in the region, alleging continued violence involving Israel in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stabilise the situation and sustain the fragile ceasefire in the region.