Israeli leaders have strongly condemned statements made by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, following reports that Islamabad is involved in mediating US–Iran ceasefire negotiations. In a post on X, Khawaja Asif claimed that as “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, and bloodletting continues unabated.”&nbsp;He further added, “I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews [sic] burn in hell,” he added. Responding to the remarks, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his “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.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-better-not-be-better-stop-now-trump-says-after-iran-charging-fees-from-tankers-passing-strait-of-hormuz-1775770395306">'They better not be...better stop now': Trump says after Iran charging fees from tankers passing Strait of Hormuz</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Prime Minister&#39;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.&mdash; Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/2042343856910258614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the comments, describing them as “these blatant antisemitic blood libels from a government claiming to ‘mediate peace,'” and added, echoing the Prime Minister’s Office, that “calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation.” He said, “Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-truce-america-wins-in-firepower-iran-wins-through-ceasefire-1775755796490/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-truce-america-wins-in-firepower-iran-wins-through-ceasefire-1775755796490/embed</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (April 9) evening that Israel would start negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible,” aimed at disarming Hezbollah and reaching a full peace agreement between the two nations. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel condemns Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks amid reports of Islamabad mediating US–Iran ceasefire talks and regional tensions

Israeli leaders have strongly condemned statements made by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, following reports that Islamabad is involved in mediating US–Iran ceasefire negotiations. In a post on X, Khawaja Asif claimed that as “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, and bloodletting continues unabated.” He further added, “I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews [sic] burn in hell,” he added. Responding to the remarks, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his “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.” Also Read: 'They better not be...better stop now': Trump says after Iran charging fees from tankers passing Strait of Hormuz

Israel condemns Pakistan minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks calling Israel ‘cancerous’ amid US-Iran talks mediation tensions and regional backlash

Israel denounces Pakistan defence minister's 'evil and cancerous state' remarks amid US-Iran talks

Israel is set to open two agriculture centres in Jammu and Kashmir and there is evident resentment amongst Pakistani terror groups. They’ve threatened anyone who plans to aid this project in India. But why is an agricultural tie-up between India and Israel such a big problem for India’s neighbour? Why is Pakistan already so insecure? A report by Shivan Chanana.

Why is Pakistan so insecure of India-Israel ties?

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Israel denounces Pakistan defence minister's 'evil and cancerous state' remarks amid US-Iran talks

Why is Pakistan so insecure of India-Israel ties?