Washington, April 10 (NationPress) A new diplomatic crisis has unfolded following Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif's controversial statements regarding Israel, which have been met with immediate backlash from Israeli officials, US legislators, and analysts at a crucial time for ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Asif expressed on X that “Israel embodies evil and is a plague on humanity,” accusing the nation of “genocide in Lebanon” and claiming that “innocent lives are being taken by Israel, first in Gaza, then in Iran, and now in Lebanon.” He further stated: “I hope and pray that the architects of this malignant state on Palestinian soil, created to expel European Jews, face severe consequences.”

These remarks were made just days before significant diplomatic discussions in Islamabad, where Pakistan is set to facilitate talks between the US and Iran, amid rising tensions in the region.

In response, Israel's Prime Minister's Office declared: “The call from Pakistan’s Defence Minister for the destruction of Israel is intolerable. Such statements from any government, let alone one purporting to be a neutral mediator for peace, are unacceptable.”

US Congressman Josh Gottheimer also condemned the comments, labeling them as “disgraceful rhetoric aimed at Jews and Israel.” He remarked: “Such hateful speech is utterly unacceptable and counterproductive during this delicate period. This does not represent diplomacy and warrants condemnation.”

This controversy casts doubt on Pakistan’s ability to serve effectively as a mediator. The country has been striving to position itself as a neutral ground for discussions between the US and Iran amid increasing regional instability.

Further criticism arose from various commentators, including Emily Schrader, who called the statements a “diatribe fueled by anti-Semitism,” emphasizing Asif’s statement about Israel being a curse for humanity. She asserted: “Pakistan cannot be seen as an impartial mediator.”

Former US official Ellie Cohanim expressed skepticism about Islamabad’s capacity to mediate, stating: “Many were alarmed at the prospect of a country that sheltered the mastermind behind 9/11 serving in any mediatory capacity.” She added that “with this statement, Pakistan has undermined any semblance of neutrality.”

Observers have noted that the timing of Asif’s remarks—while delegations were arriving and security protocols were being established—raises serious concerns about the host nation’s perceived impartiality.

The comments also followed earlier confusion regarding a ceasefire declaration linked to Pakistan’s leadership, which had suggested that the ceasefire would apply “everywhere including Lebanon,” a claim that was later refuted by Israel, which clarified that Lebanon was not part of this agreement.

Israel has maintained that its operations in Lebanon are distinct from the broader ceasefire context. The Israeli military has continued its actions against Hezbollah, including a significant bombardment reported on April 8.

The unfolding situation—marked by ambiguous ceasefire declarations and the Defence Minister’s inflammatory comments—has fueled criticisms that Pakistan’s role as a mediator is being seriously compromised at a pivotal moment.

Despite this storm of controversy, preparations for the talks in Islamabad are proceeding, with rigorous security measures in place and international delegations already present.

The stakes in this diplomatic engagement are extremely high, with these discussions being hailed as one of the most crucial US-Iran dialogues in decades, as regional stability hangs in the balance.