In response to Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif’s remarks, Israel has stated that it will defend itself against terrorists. It appears these comments are related to a contentious issue between Pakistan and Israel, but no further details are available.
Pakistan has previously criticized Israel’s actions, such as breaking the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has condemned Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks, in which he called Israel a “cancer-stricken country”.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif alleged in a message to local media that “while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is ongoing in Lebanon.”
Khawaja Asif said, “Innocent civilians are being killed in Israeli operations. First in Gaza, then Iran, and now in Lebanon, there’s an unending series of bloodshed.”
Khawaja Asif in his remarks called Israel a “cancer-stricken country” and used harsh words regarding the country’s formation.
A few hours after Khawaja Asif’s remarks, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office issued a statement on X, saying: “The call for Israel’s destruction by Pakistan’s Defense Minister is extremely provocative. These are statements that cannot be tolerated from any government, especially one that positions itself as a neutral mediator for peace.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid also strongly reacted to the Pakistani Defense Minister’s statement, saying: “Calling the Jewish state ‘cancer-stricken’ is tantamount to calling for its destruction.”
He said with strong words: “Israel will defend itself against terrorists who seek its destruction.” Earlier, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had condemned Israel’s “aggression” in a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam.
It is noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that alongside a ceasefire between the US and Iran, Israel will continue operations “wherever necessary” against Hezbollah.
Israel does not consider Pakistan a credible country
Israel’s stance is that Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire agreement, but Iran alleges that the series of Israeli attacks on Lebanon is a “serious violation” of this agreement.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also mentioned Lebanon’s inclusion in the ceasefire, but US Vice President JD Vance called it a “misunderstanding”.
Netanyahu said in a statement, “Our message is very clear. Anyone who acts against Israelis will be targeted.” He added, “We will take action against Hezbollah wherever necessary, until we ensure full security for the residents of the northern regions.”
Netanyahu made these remarks after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the killing of Hezbollah leader Na’im Qassem’s secretary and nephew, Ali Youssef Harishi. Notably, Pakistan does not officially recognize Israel and advocates for a two-state solution in Palestine.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, was asked by Bloomberg why Israel doesn’t send a delegation to Pakistan. He replied that Israel won’t participate in talks in Islamabad but “we trust America.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, raised questions about Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the US-Iran ceasefire talks, saying “Israel does not consider Pakistan a credible country.”
Speaking to ANI news agency, Reuven Azar said: “We don’t consider Pakistan a credible country. I think the US decided to use Pakistan for certain reasons.”
A ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, has been announced, but there’s confusion over whether it applies to Israel and Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the ceasefire extends to Lebanon, while Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists it doesn’t include Lebanon, and Israel will continue operations against Hezbollah
The situation remains tense, with Israel conducting airstrikes in Lebanon, killing hundreds and displacing over a million people. Hezbollah has fired rockets towards Israel in response, claiming it’s a violation of the ceasefire.
Iran has warned it will respond if Israeli attacks on Lebanon don’t stop, while the US and Israel are discussing including Lebanon in the ceasefire deal. The international community, including the EU and Arab Parliament, is calling for an extension of the ceasefire to Lebanon.
By- Laiba Yousafzai
