ISLAMABAD: Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat has publicly describedPakistan as a supporter of terrorism, explicitly ruling out itsparticipation in any peacekeeping or reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Thestatement, delivered during an interview on the sidelines of the WorldEconomic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, came shortly after Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif signed the charter for United States President DonaldTrump’s Board of Peace initiative aimed at Gaza’s post-ceasefiretransition. Barkat’s comments have intensified diplomatic tensions anddrawn widespread attention to Pakistan’s international standing oncounter-terrorism issues.
The remarks were made in response to questions about potential contributorsto Gaza’s stability following a recent ceasefire. Barkat asserted thatnations perceived as backing terrorist organisations would be excluded fromsuch roles. He specifically named Pakistan, stating that any countrysupporting terror is unwelcome and directly included Islamabad in thatcategory. This position aligns with Israel’s longstanding concerns overstates it accuses of aiding groups hostile to its security interests.
The timing of Barkat’s statement proved particularly significant, occurringwithin hours of Sharif’s engagement with the Trump-led peace framework atDavos. Pakistan’s Prime Minister participated in the signing ceremonyalongside other international figures, signalling Islamabad’s interest incontributing to regional stability initiatives. However, the Israeliminister’s intervention highlighted deep divisions, framing Pakistan’sinvolvement as incompatible with effective peacekeeping.
Barkat’s interview, reported by multiple international outlets includingNDTV, emphasised Israel’s firm stance on Gaza’s future governance. Hereiterated that reconstruction and security arrangements must excludeentities linked to terrorism support. While the minister did not elaborateon specific evidence regarding Pakistan, his words echoed broader Israelicriticisms of certain countries’ alleged ties to militant groups operatingin the region.
Pakistan has consistently denied accusations of sponsoring terrorism,maintaining that it has suffered immensely from militant violence andactively combats such threats through military operations and intelligenceefforts. Official responses from Islamabad to Barkat’s comments have yet tobe fully detailed in public statements, though diplomatic circlesanticipate a measured rebuttal emphasising Pakistan’s contributions toglobal counter-terrorism.
The episode at Davos underscores ongoing challenges in multilateral forumswhere geopolitical rivalries intersect with peace processes. Israel’sexclusionary policy towards Pakistan, alongside implied reservations aboutother nations, reflects its strategic priorities in post-conflict Gazaarrangements. Analysts note that such public declarations may influenceperceptions among global investors and policymakers attending the economicsummit.
Broader context reveals Israel’s selective approach to internationalpartnerships in Gaza. Barkat’s remarks coincide with discussions oninvolving Gulf states and others deemed reliable by Jerusalem. Thisapproach prioritises entities that align with Israel’s security red lines,potentially sidelining countries with differing regional alignments orhistorical positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The controversy has sparked debate on the implications for Pakistan’sforeign policy outreach. Participation in Trump’s Board of Peacerepresented an attempt to engage constructively in Middle Eastern affairsamid shifting global dynamics following the United States administrationchange. Barkat’s rejection, however, may complicate such efforts andreinforce narratives of isolation in certain international arenas.
Observers point out that accusations of terrorism support have longfeatured in bilateral tensions between Israel and Pakistan, which lackformal diplomatic relations. Pakistan’s support for Palestinian causes andits non-recognition of Israel contribute to this friction. The Davosincident amplifies these underlying issues on a prominent global stage.
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Despite the diplomatic setback, Pakistan continues to advocate for peacefulresolutions in conflict zones, including Gaza. Government officials havehistorically called for international cooperation to address humanitariancrises while upholding principles of sovereignty and non-interference. Thelatest development may prompt renewed emphasis on these positions in futureengagements.
The World Economic Forum setting amplified the statement’s reach, as Davosattracts leaders focused on economic and geopolitical collaboration.Barkat’s comments, delivered amid discussions on global security andreconstruction funding, highlight how counter-terrorism perceptions shapeparticipation in international initiatives.
In summary, Minister Nir Barkat’s direct reference to Pakistan as asupporter of terrorism represents a pointed exclusion from Gaza-relatedroles. This stance, articulated on January 23, 2026, during the Davossummit, follows Prime Minister Sharif’s symbolic involvement in a U.S.-ledpeace mechanism and illustrates persistent barriers in cross-regionaldiplomacy.
Source:https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/7x-retaliation-if-iran-attacks-says-israels-barkat-pakistan-not-welcome-in-gaza-10863814
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