Tensions between Israel and Pakistan intensified after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made strong remarks against Israel, calling it “evil” and a “cancerous state.” The comments came at a sensitive time, as Pakistan is positioning itself as a mediator in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Israel reacted sharply, questioning Pakistan’s neutrality in peace efforts.

Asif made the remarks in a post on X while discussions were being planned in Islamabad between Iranian and American delegations. The talks are expected to take place following a two-week ceasefire agreed upon on April 8. However, the minister later appeared to delete the controversial post after facing backlash. In his statement, Asif accused Israel of committing a “genocide” in Lebanon and said that violence against civilians had continued from the Gaza Strip to Lebanon.

“Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated,” he said. He further added, “I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews burn in hell.”

Israel strongly condemned these remarks and said such language is unacceptable, especially from a country claiming to act as a neutral mediator. A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office criticised the comments and raised concerns about Pakistan’s role in the peace process. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also reacted firmly.

“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,” the statement read.

Sa’ar added, “Israel views very gravely these blatant antisemitic blood libels from a government claiming to ‘mediate peace’. Calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation. Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction.”

At the same time, the situation in Lebanon remains tense. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there is no ceasefire in Lebanon and that military operations against Hezbollah will continue. “I wish to inform you: There is no ceasefire in Lebanon. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we restore your security,” he said.

However, just hours later, Israel indicated that talks with Lebanon were underway. The development came after reports of heavy Israeli strikes that reportedly killed over 200 people and injured more than 1,150. While Israel said it targeted Hezbollah positions, several strikes reportedly hit crowded residential and commercial areas during peak hours, leading to significant civilian casualties.

Netanyahu later said that the talks would focus on disarming Hezbollah and working towards peaceful relations between the two sides. Despite these statements, the violence on the ground has raised serious concerns among regional leaders.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticised Israel’s actions and called for international support to stop the attacks. In a post on X, he urged allies to intervene and highlighted the impact on civilians.

“While we welcomed the agreement between Iran and the United States of America, and intensified our efforts to reach an agreement for a ceasefire in Lebanon, Israel continues to expand its aggressions that have targeted densely populated residential neighbourhoods, claiming the lives of unarmed civilians in various parts of Lebanon, particularly in the capital Beirut, heedless of all regional and international efforts to stop the war—not to mention its utter disregard for the principles of international law and international humanitarian law, which it has never respected in the first place. And all friends of Lebanon are called upon to help us stop these aggressions by all available means,” Salam wrote.

The developments have added uncertainty to the already fragile situation in the region. With Pakistan attempting to host peace talks between Iran and the United States, the sharp exchange of words between Islamabad and Tel Aviv may complicate diplomatic efforts. At the same time, continued violence in Lebanon is raising fears of further escalation, even as discussions around ceasefires and negotiations continue.