Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered a diplomatic storm after calling Israel a “curse for humanity” over its ongoing military operations in Lebanon, drawing sharp condemnation from Israeli leaders.
In a strongly worded post on X, Asif alleged that while “peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon.” He accused Israel of continuing “bloodletting unabated,” adding: “Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel—first Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon.”
In a controversial remark, he further described Israel as a “cancerous state” and expressed hope that those who created it “burn in hell,” escalating tensions significantly.
Israel hits back
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded swiftly, calling the remarks “outrageous.”
“Pakistan Defence Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous,” Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office. “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.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the comments, describing them as “blatant antisemitic blood libels.”
“Calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation. Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction,” Sa’ar wrote on X.
Israel-Lebanon talks amid fragile truce
Amid the escalating rhetoric, Netanyahu has authorised direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” signalling a potential diplomatic opening.
“In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible,” his office said.
The proposed talks are expected to centre on disarming Hezbollah and exploring the possibility of formal peace relations between Israel and Lebanon. Israel also acknowledged calls from Lebanese leadership to demilitarise Beirut.
Escalation threatens wider deal
The diplomatic push comes against the backdrop of intensifying violence. Israel recently launched its largest wave of strikes on Lebanon since hostilities with Hezbollah began on March 2, reportedly killing more than 200 people.
While Iran insists any ceasefire must include Lebanon, both the United States and Israel maintain that Lebanon was not part of the original agreement.
US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Netanyahu to scale back strikes to preserve ongoing negotiations with Iran, according to NBC News. The appeal followed signals from Israel that it intends to continue military operations.
Iran signals possible response
Iran has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire through its actions in Lebanon. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran was “on the verge” of responding but refrained after intervention by Pakistan, according to Tasnim News Agency.