The Times of Israel blog has identified Imran Khan, the founder andchairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), as the most suitable leader tonormalize diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Israel. The blogpointed to Khan’s approach to foreign policy during his tenure as PrimeMinister, noting his ties to influential pro-Israel figures, includingmembers of his former in-laws, the Goldsmith family.
The blog emphasized that Imran Khan’s connection to his ex-wife, JemimaGoldsmith, and her family, particularly his brother-in-law, Zac Goldsmith,played a crucial role in shaping his perspective on Israel. Zac Goldsmith,who is well-known in pro-Israel and Jewish circles, is believed to have hada significant influence on Khan’s views regarding the possibility ofPakistan reconsidering its stance towards Israel.
The writer argued that these family ties provide Imran Khan with a uniqueoutlook, which could make him more open to the idea of changing Pakistan’slongstanding position on Israel. Pakistan has historically maintained afirm pro-Palestinian stance, rooted in its identity as an Islamic Republicand its strong commitment to the global Muslim community. SuccessivePakistani governments have consistently condemned Israel’s actions in thePalestinian territories and have refused to engage in diplomatic relationswith the country.
During his time in office, Imran Khan upheld this stance, publiclycriticizing Israel’s policies and rejecting the idea of normalization aslong as the Palestinian issue remained unresolved. However, according tothe blog, there have been informal messages relayed to Israeli officialsthrough the Goldsmith family, signaling a potential shift in therelationship between Pakistan and Israel.
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While such a move would undoubtedly face significant challenges inPakistan’s political landscape, the blog suggested that Imran Khan’sleadership could pave the way for a transformation in the nature ofPakistan-Israel relations.