A lively controversy erupted after statements made by Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who posted a virulent message targeting Israel, in the midst of diplomatic mediation attempts in Islamabad.
“Israel is a curse on humanity. While peace talks are underway in Islamabad, a genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent civilians are being killed by Israel: first Gaza, then Iran, and now Lebanon; the bloodshed continues unabated. I hope and pray that those who created this ‘accursed’ state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews burn in hell,” he posted on the social network X.
These remarks immediately provoked a strong reaction from Israeli authorities. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar denounced “blatant anti-Semitic slanders” from a government presenting itself as a mediator, adding, “To describe the Jewish state as ‘accursed’ is essentially calling for its annihilation. Israel views these comments with the utmost seriousness and will defend itself against terrorists calling for its destruction.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also condemned these statements, stating that “the call for the annihilation of Israel is scandalous” and “unacceptable from any government, especially one claiming to play a neutral arbitrator role in favor of peace.”
This sequence comes as Pakistan is engaged in mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, which could undermine its diplomatic credibility.
