Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Calls Israel Evil, Deletes Post After Netanyahu Rebuke
Key Takeaways
- Asif posted that Israel is 'evil' and a 'curse for humanity' on X.
- He said genocide is being committed in Lebanon.
- The post was deleted after backlash, with Netanyahu condemning the remarks.
Pakistan-Israel Diplomatic Rift
A diplomatic storm erupted between Israel and Pakistan after Pakistan's Defence Minister posted that Israel is evil and a curse for humanity.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office described the remarks as outrageous and said they cannot be tolerated from a government claiming to be a neutral arbiter for peace.
Asif deleted the post after the backlash.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the remarks as blatant antisemitic blood libels.
The controversy came as Pakistan was credited for brokering a temporary two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Asif's Post and Backlash
Asif's post accused Israel of committing genocide in Lebanon while peace talks were underway in Islamabad.
He wrote that innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon.
He added that he hopes people who created this cancerous state burn in hell.
The post drew immediate backlash from Israeli officials and US lawmakers.
The controversy cast a shadow over Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the US-Iran talks.
Israel Questions Pakistan's Neutrality
The controversy came at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with Pakistan credited for brokering a temporary two-week ceasefire.
Israeli officials said such rhetoric undermines claims of neutrality in mediation efforts.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that Rahman was being questioned about allegations that the factory's emergency exits had been welded shut.
The Guardian noted that Hessen's compliance team had audited the factory in March.
Rahman Textile owner Faisal Rahman issued a statement claiming the factory had passed its most recent safety inspection in January.
Regional Implications
The Israeli-Pakistan diplomatic rift unfolded as the region grappled with the fallout from the US-Iran ceasefire.
The expanded Israeli offensive on Lebanon had killed 1,888 people and wounded 6,092 others.
Pakistan's internal politics does not allow it to negotiate directly with Israel.
The controversy threatened to complicate Islamabad’s efforts to maintain its image as a neutral broker.
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