ISLAMABAD: Israel has denounced Pakistan’s role as a neutral peace mediator after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif labelled the Jewish state cancerous in a now-deleted social media post.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described the remarks as blatant antisemitic blood libels from a government claiming to mediate peace.

Sa’ar stated that calling the Jewish state cancerous is effectively calling for its annihilation.

He added that Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction.

The controversy erupted as Pakistan hosts high-stakes US-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad.

These negotiations have paused a 40-day war in the Middle East through a two-week truce agreement.

Asif made the comments while accusing Israel of committing genocide in Lebanon amid fresh military strikes.

In the deleted X post Asif called Israel evil and a curse for humanity.

He prayed that those who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews burn in hell.

Screenshots of the post continue circulating online despite its removal.

Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office called the remarks outrageous and intolerable from any claimed neutral arbiter.

The exchange has triggered a major diplomatic storm threatening mediation credibility.

Pakistan maintains no diplomatic ties with Israel and has long backed the Palestinian cause.

International outlets including The Times of Israel and NDTV reported the incident extensively within hours.

Analysts note the timing coincides with escalating violence in Lebanon involving Israeli operations and Hezbollah responses.

Reports highlight ongoing rocket fire and strikes that have intensified regional tensions in recent weeks.

The Pakistani defence minister’s statement reflected widespread domestic sentiment over Lebanon developments.

Yet Israeli officials insist such rhetoric undermines Islamabad’s mediation claims between Washington and Tehran.

The US-Iran talks in Islamabad represent a rare diplomatic bridge in the broader Middle East crisis.

Pakistan positioned itself as facilitator after weeks of shuttle diplomacy and back-channel efforts.

However the antisemitic framing has cast doubt on impartiality according to Jerusalem.

Sa’ar’s response echoed concerns over blood libels historically used to incite violence against Jews.

Israeli sources emphasised that labelling an entire state cancerous equates to existential threat language.

Defence experts point to repeated vows by groups like Hezbollah to destroy Israel as context.

Pakistan has not issued an official reply to the Israeli condemnation so far.

The episode highlights persistent challenges in involving non-recognising states in sensitive peace processes.

Observers warn that inflammatory language risks derailing fragile ceasefires across multiple fronts.

Lebanon remains a flashpoint with cross-border incidents reported daily during the paused conflict phase.

The 40-day war period saw significant displacement and infrastructure damage on both sides.

Ceasefire monitoring mechanisms are now under discussion in Islamabad involving multiple stakeholders.

This diplomatic row adds another layer of complexity to already strained regional dynamics.

Foreign policy circles in Islamabad are assessing potential fallout for Pakistan’s international image.

Jerusalem maintains it will not tolerate calls for annihilation regardless of mediation pretences.

The incident underscores deep ideological divides that complicate even indirect peace efforts.

Global attention has shifted to how Pakistan balances domestic politics with diplomatic responsibilities.

Sa’ar’s firm stance reinforces Israel’s zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism in official discourse.

Deleted posts rarely erase impact in the age of instant screenshots and viral sharing.

The affair serves as a stark reminder of language’s power in shaping international perceptions.

Further statements from both sides are anticipated as the US-Iran talks progress.

Pakistan’s mediation role gained prominence after initial breakthroughs in de-escalation proposals.

Yet the defence minister’s outburst has invited scrutiny from allies and adversaries alike.

Israel views the comments as crossing a red line in acceptable diplomatic discourse.

The full implications for ongoing Lebanon stability remain under close watch by regional players.