Lagatar24 Desk
Islamabad: Diplomatic tensions escalated between Israel and Pakistan after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made strong remarks against Israel, which were later deleted following a sharp response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Controversial Remarks and Backlash
Khawaja Asif had criticised Israeli military actions in Lebanon following the ceasefire announcement involving the US and Iran. In a social media post, he used strong language against Israel, triggering widespread attention and diplomatic discomfort.
Israel responded firmly, with Netanyahu warning that calls for its destruction would not be tolerated, especially from a country positioning itself as a neutral mediator in ongoing peace talks.
Post Deleted Amid Pressure
Following the reaction, the controversial post was deleted. Reports suggest that internal pressure within Pakistan’s leadership, including concerns raised at the highest levels, may have influenced the decision.
The development comes at a sensitive time, as Pakistan is involved in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran.
Lebanon Strikes Add to Tensions
The controversy also follows Israeli strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions, which Israel has maintained are outside the scope of the current ceasefire. These strikes have drawn criticism from multiple quarters and added complexity to the fragile regional situation.
The episode highlights the delicate balance of diplomatic messaging amid ongoing Middle East tensions and ceasefire negotiations.
