NEW DELHI, June 15: As a US-brokered peace agreement between Washington and Tehran begins to reshape West Asian geopolitics, Israel has rejected suggestions that Pakistan could play a constructive role in regional peace efforts.
Speaking to ANI, Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said Israel does not trust Pakistan and criticised Islamabad’s approach toward the Jewish state.
Responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump that Pakistan could contribute to regional diplomacy despite lacking ties with Israel, Azar said Pakistan’s behaviour had been “reprehensible” and referred to what he described as anti-Semitic remarks by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Israel had earlier condemned Asif’s comments about Israel, which included describing it as an “evil” and “cancerous” state. Israel and Pakistan have no diplomatic relations, and longstanding restrictions on travel between the two countries remain in place.
Azar’s comments came after Trump announced a peace agreement with Iran that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US naval blockade.
Trump hailed the accord as a historic breakthrough that would bring peace and stability to the region.
However, Israel has signalled reservations about the emerging diplomatic framework. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stressed that Israel remains an independent and sovereign nation and is not bound by agreements brokered by the United States.
In a post on X, he said Israel’s primary responsibility was to its citizens, military and Jewish people, and that American diplomatic initiatives would not dictate Israeli policy.
The agreement between the US and Iran reportedly followed extensive negotiations and mediation efforts involving Pakistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the deal was reached after intensive talks and announced that a formal signing ceremony would be held in Switzerland on June 19.
He added that both sides had agreed to immediately end military operations, including in Lebanon, and thanked Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for supporting the mediation process. (ANI)
