News Desk: A sharp war of words has erupted after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif labelled Israel a “cancerous state,” triggering strong reactions from Israeli leadership amid ongoing tensions in Lebanon.
In a provocative post on X, Asif accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Lebanon even as peace efforts continue in Islamabad. He alleged that violence by Israel has persisted “unabated,” claiming civilians were being targeted across multiple fronts—from Gaza to Iran and now Lebanon. Escalating his rhetoric further, he described Israel as a “curse for humanity” and expressed harsh sentiments toward its creation.
Pakistan Defense Minister launches furious outburst:
‘I pray people who created cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews BURN IN HELL
‘Israel is evil and a CURSE for humanity’ pic.twitter.com/dSZDnH0dv2
— RT (@RT_com) April 9, 2026
Israel Responds Strongly
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly condemned the remarks, calling them “outrageous” and unacceptable.
“This is not something any government can say—especially one claiming neutrality in peace efforts,” Netanyahu said in an official statement, interpreting the remarks as a call for Israel’s destruction.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also rebuked Asif, terming the comments “blatant antisemitic blood libels.” He warned that branding Israel as “cancerous” effectively equates to advocating its annihilation, adding that Israel would continue to defend itself against hostile threats.
The Prime Minister’s Office:
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.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 9, 2026
Fragile Diplomacy with Lebanon
Even as tensions flare rhetorically, Israel has signalled a diplomatic opening. Netanyahu confirmed that he has instructed his cabinet to initiate direct talks with Lebanon at the earliest opportunity, following repeated requests from Beirut.
The proposed negotiations are expected to focus on disarming Hezbollah and exploring the possibility of formal peace relations. Israel has also acknowledged calls from Lebanese authorities for demilitarisation measures in Beirut.
Rising Violence Threatens Talks
The diplomatic outreach comes amid intensifying conflict. Israel recently carried out one of its largest waves of airstrikes in Lebanon since clashes with Hezbollah escalated on March 2, with reports indicating over 200 fatalities.
Iran has insisted that any ceasefire framework must include Lebanon, while both Israel and the United States maintain that Lebanon was not part of the original agreement.
According to reports, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Netanyahu to limit further strikes to safeguard ongoing negotiations with Iran, even as Israel signals continued military operations.
Iran Signals Restraint—for Now
Tehran has accused Israel of breaching ceasefire understandings through its actions in Lebanon. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated that Iran was close to retaliating but held back following diplomatic intervention by Pakistan, according to Iranian media reports.
As rhetoric sharpens and military tensions persist, the situation risks derailing fragile diplomatic efforts in an already volatile region.
