Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif deleted a social media publication saying Israel is "evil and a curse for humanity" after receiving backlash, including from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The post in question claimed that as negotiations to achieve a ceasefire between the country, the U.S. and Iran are set to take place in Islamabad, "genocide is being committed in Lebanon."
"Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated. I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews burn in hell," he added.
The post made headlines across the globe, prompting the office of Netanyahu to issue a statement on the matter: "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," it said. Asif's post couldn't be seen on Friday.
The Prime Minister's Office:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 9, 2026
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.
The post received particular scrutiny considering ceasefire talks are set to take place in Pakistan. Vice President JD Vance will lead the U.S. delegation and will be joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. A U.S. Air Force transport aircraft was seen approaching PAF Base Nur Khan on Friday, and Islamabad has been locked down to guarantee the talks' safety. NBC News described empty roads, checkpoints at major arteries and tightened security with additional troops and police deployed across the city.
However, whether negotiations will even begin is still uncertain as Tehran has said it won't engage unless there is a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel and the United States have rejected the notion, but President Donald Trump had said Netanyahu will "low-key" attacks. However, attacks have continued.
