Israel slammed Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over remarks calling the Jewish state “cancerous,” rejecting Islamabad’s mediation role. Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar termed the comments antisemitic and vowed self-defence. The row deepens tensions as ceasefire confusion persists, with Netanyahu denying any truce in Lebanon and continuing strikes on Hezbollah.

Tel Aviv: Israel has responded with fury to Pakistan Defence Minsiter Khawaja Asif's statement, denouncing Islamabad's mediation pitch and vowing to defend itself against "terrorists" who want Tel Aviv's destruction.

In a strong-worded response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar rebuked Pakistan over its Defence Minister's statement, calling jewish state "cancerous", which Sa'ar said is "calling for Israel's annihilation."

"Israel views very gravely these blatant antisemitic blood libels from a government claiming to "mediate peace". Calling the Jewish state "cancerous" is effectively calling for its annihilation. Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction," Sa'ar said in a post on X.

This comes after Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, called Israel "evil and a curse for humanity" accusing it of committing "genocide" in Lebanon while peace negotiations are underway.