Israel launches sharp attack on Pakistan over Khawaja Asif’s ‘genocide’ remark

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has directly attacked Pakistan over remarks made by its Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, escalating a diplomatic row ahead of proposed US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office called Asif’s comments “outrageous” and said his “call for Israel’s annihilation” cannot be accepted, particularly from a country claiming to play a neutral role in ongoing peace efforts.

“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,” the statement said.

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The tensions follow a series of posts by Khawaja Asif on X, in which he described Israel as “evil and a curse for humanity” and alleged that “genocide is being committed in Lebanon”, even as diplomatic activity continues around proposed talks in Islamabad.

“Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated,” he wrote.

In another sharply worded post, Asif said, “I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews burn in hell.”

Pakistan has been attempting to position itself as a diplomatic bridge in the widening West Asia conflict, including hosting discussions linked to a potential US-Iran ceasefire framework, making the controversy particularly sensitive.

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At the same time, the fragile ceasefire process between the United States and Iran is facing renewed strain after Israeli strikes on Beirut and Iran’s continued control over the Strait of Hormuz. Uncertainty remains over whether broader truce arrangements can hold.

Both Washington and Tehran have signalled progress while continuing to exert pressure, with talks on a more permanent agreement expected to be discussed in upcoming rounds in Islamabad. US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation.

The ground situation remains volatile, with Wednesday marking one of the deadliest days in Lebanon since the conflict began, as Israeli strikes killed more than 300 people. Key disagreements persist over whether Hezbollah is included in the ceasefire framework. Iran has warned of “STRONG responses” if attacks on its allies continue.

Separate Israel-Lebanon negotiations are expected next week in Washington, according to officials familiar with the matter. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he has approved direct talks, while Lebanon has yet to respond. He also reiterated that there is no ceasefire in Lebanon and that operations against Hezbollah will continue.

Meanwhile, regional tensions have further widened, with Kuwait accusing Iran and its proxies of drone attacks despite the ceasefire, while Saudi Arabia reported damage to a key pipeline. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has denied the allegations.