Israel Blasts Pakistan Minister's 'Annihilation' Remark Ahead of Iran-US Talks In Islamabad

The Israeli government has issued a scathing rebuke to Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khwaja Asif, following social media remarks calling for the "annihilation" of the Jewish state. The diplomatic firestorm erupts at a critical juncture as Islamabad prepares to host high-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran this weekend.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO) described Mr Asif's comments as "outrageous" and "intolerable," particularly given Pakistan's role as the host and mediator for the upcoming ceasefire talks.

It all started after Mr Asif took to X (formerly Twitter) to label Israel "evil," "cancerous," and a "curse for humanity." In a provocative post, the minister claimed that while "peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon." He further sparked international condemnation by suggesting the state was created to "get rid of European Jews" and expressed a wish for its founders to "burn in hell."

Responding to the Pakistan minister's post, the Israeli PMO stated: "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."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar echoed these sentiments, categorising the remarks as "antisemitic blood libels." Mr Sa'ar argued that describing the nation as "cancerous" was effectively a call for its destruction, asserting that Israel would continue to defend itself against those vowing its liquidation.

Despite the diplomatic spat, Islamabad is under heavy security as it readies for the arrival of senior delegations from Washington and Tehran. The talks aim to formalise a fragile two-week ceasefire and discuss the "Islamabad Accord," a proposal intended to de-escalate the 2026 Middle East conflict.

Fragile Ceasefire

The negotiations follow an agreement brokered earlier this week, which saw President Donald Trump suspend the bombardment of Iran in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the truce remains precarious.

While the US delegation arrives with a focus on maritime security and nuclear constraints, Tehran has submitted its own 10-point proposal, demanding full sanctions relief and the withdrawal of US combat forces from the region.

The inclusion of Lebanon in the rhetoric-with Iran demanding a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah as a condition for a permanent deal-continues to be a major sticking point. As officials descend on the Pakistani capital, the "neutrality" of the host nation is now under an intense international spotlight.