Israel denounces Pak defence minister's 'cancerous state' remarks

In a strong denouncement of “outrageous” remarks made by Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Israel has raised doubts about his country’s role as a “neutral arbiter”. “Pakistan Defence Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous,” the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on X. “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 PMO said Thursday evening.
Asif wrote on X that "Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon." 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.”
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.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday 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. "In light of Lebanon's repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible," his office wrote in a statement. "Negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peace relations between Israel and Lebanon. Israel appreciates today's call by the Prime Minister of Lebanon to demilitarize Beirut," the statement added.