Pakistan's Defence Minister Withdraws Controversial Remarks on Israel Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has deleted a controversial post labeling Israel as a 'cancerous' state after facing backlash from Israel and the US. His remarks, made just before crucial diplomatic talks in Islamabad, raised questions about Pakistan's role as a mediator in the ongoing Iran conflict. Israel condemned Asif's statements as intolerable, with officials asserting that such rhetoric undermines peace efforts. The situation escalated further with Israel's military actions in Lebanon following a ceasefire agreement with the US and Iran. This incident highlights the delicate balance of diplomacy in a volatile region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 10:05 IST

Controversial Comments Prompt Diplomatic Fallout

Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, has retracted his inflammatory social media statement labeling Israel as a "cancerous" entity, following intense backlash from both Israel and the United States. This decision comes in the wake of his comments igniting a diplomatic crisis, complicating Pakistan's efforts to act as a mediator in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Although the post has been removed, it raises significant concerns regarding Pakistan's diplomatic messaging during a critical geopolitical period.

In his now-deleted statement on X, Asif described Israel as “evil and a curse for humanity,” accusing it of committing genocide in Lebanon and killing innocent civilians in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon. He expressed a wish that those responsible for establishing Israel on Palestinian territory would suffer dire consequences.

These remarks surfaced just before crucial diplomatic discussions in Islamabad, where Pakistan is facilitating talks between the US and Iran amid escalating regional tensions.

Israel's Strong Response

Israel Condemns Pakistan's Remarks

In reaction to Asif's comments, Israel condemned the statements as intolerable from any government, particularly one that claims to be a neutral mediator. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the Defence Minister's call for Israel's destruction as outrageous, emphasizing that such rhetoric cannot be accepted from a nation that seeks to position itself as a peace broker.

A ceasefire between the US and Iran commenced on Wednesday, with peace negotiations set to begin later this week in Islamabad, led by Qalibaf from the Iranian side. However, Israel has asserted that this ceasefire does not extend to the conflict in Lebanon, a claim that Iran and mediator Pakistan dispute. Following the ceasefire's initiation, Israel conducted its most extensive single-day assault on Lebanon, resulting in over 300 fatalities and more than 1,100 injuries.

(With agency inputs)