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Asif accused Israel of targeting civilians across multiple regions (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stirred a diplomatic storm after calling Israel a “curse for humanity” and a “cancerous state” in a social media post. His remarks came amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, particularly over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon and Gaza.
In the now-deleted post, Asif accused Israel of targeting civilians across multiple regions, including Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. He further alleged that violence continued despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, drawing attention to the timing of the conflict as Pakistan prepares to host key international talks.
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Israel reacted sharply to the comments, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning the remarks as “outrageous and unacceptable.”
The Prime Minister's Office:
Pakistan Defence Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. 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.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 9, 2026
In an official statement, Netanyahu’s office said such language could not be tolerated from any government, especially one presenting itself as a neutral facilitator in peace negotiations. The statement also described the remarks as an implicit call for Israel’s destruction, escalating the diplomatic tension between the two countries.
The controversy comes just ahead of planned ceasefire discussions between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. Pakistan is set to host delegations from both sides in an effort to ease tensions in the region.
Officials are expected to begin arriving ahead of formal negotiations, which aim to address the broader conflict involving Iran and Israel-linked hostilities in West Asia.
Iran has indicated that its participation in the talks could depend on developments on the ground. It has warned of a possible withdrawal if Israel does not halt its strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
However, both Israel and the United States have rejected this condition, stating that military actions against Hezbollah are not part of the ceasefire framework currently under discussion.
The exchange highlights the fragile nature of ongoing diplomatic efforts in West Asia. With tensions already high, the row risks complicating Pakistan’s role as a host and mediator, potentially affecting the outcome of the upcoming negotiations.
