Netanyahu’s office slams remarks as tensions rise before US-Iran talks
A diplomatic row has broken out between Israel and Pakistan ahead of crucial US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif deleted a controversial social media post targeting Israel.
The remarks drew a sharp response from the office of Benjamin Netanyahu, which termed the comments “outrageous” and questioned Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral mediator.
Israel questions Pakistan’s mediator role
In a strong statement, Israel said such rhetoric cannot come from a country positioning itself as a peace broker in ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.
“This is not a statement that can be tolerated… especially from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace,” Netanyahu’s office said.
Controversial remarks trigger backlash
Asif had earlier described Israel as “evil” and a “curse for humanity,” while alleging “genocide” in Lebanon. The now-deleted posts sparked widespread condemnation from Israeli leadership.
Gideon Sa’ar also criticised the remarks, calling them “blatant antisemitic blood libels” and warning that such language undermines any claim of neutrality.
Timing raises diplomatic concerns
The controversy comes at a sensitive moment, with Pakistan playing a role in facilitating ceasefire-linked discussions between Washington and Tehran and preparing to host further talks.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over Islamabad’s position as a mediator in the ongoing West Asia crisis.
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