Israel Condemns Pakistan's Remarks Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tensions escalate as Israel condemns Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for calling the country a 'cancerous state.' This comes amid ongoing military actions in Lebanon and a newly initiated ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Israel's leaders have labeled Asif's remarks as unacceptable, emphasizing the need for responsible dialogue in the region. As peace talks are set to begin in Islamabad, the situation remains volatile, with Israel launching significant attacks in Lebanon shortly after the ceasefire took effect. Read on for a detailed account of this unfolding diplomatic crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 09:03 IST

Israel's Strong Response to Pakistan's Defence Minister

Israel has issued a stern condemnation of Pakistan following comments made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who referred to Pakistan as a 'cancerous state' and expressed a desire for those responsible for its creation to 'burn in hell' due to military actions in Lebanon. In a forceful reply, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled Asif's remarks as 'outrageous' and emphasized that such statements are unacceptable, particularly from a nation claiming to be a neutral participant in ongoing peace initiatives.

Asif took to X to express his outrage, stating, 'Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first in Gaza, then in Iran, and now in Lebanon, with bloodshed continuing unabated.' He further added, 'I hope and pray that those who established this cancerous state on Palestinian land to eliminate European Jews burn in hell.'

Israel's Rebuttal

In retaliation, Israel asserted that such statements cannot be tolerated from any government, especially one that presents itself as a 'neutral arbiter of peace.' Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel (Michael) Leiter, criticized Pakistan, stating, 'You are not a mediator, Mr. Asif; you are the problem. Regardless of your discontent, Israel is here to stay, and that is non-negotiable.'

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, also criticized the leadership in Pakistan, labeling the comments as 'blatant antisemitic blood libels' and warned that calling Israel 'cancerous' equates to advocating for its destruction.

A ceasefire between the United States and Iran commenced on Wednesday, with peace discussions set to take place later this week in Islamabad, Pakistan, led by Qalibaf from the Iranian side. However, Israel has stated that this ceasefire does not extend to the conflict in Lebanon, a claim that Iran and mediator Pakistan dispute. Shortly after the ceasefire began, Israel conducted its most extensive single-day assault on Lebanon, resulting in over 300 fatalities and more than 1,100 injuries.

(With agency inputs)