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US Lawmaker Condemns Pak Minister's "Vile" Anti-Israel Rhetoric

US Congressman Josh Gottheimer strongly criticized Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for his social media post calling Israel "evil" and a "curse for humanity." Gottheimer stated such rhetoric is unacceptable and counterproductive as Pakistan attempts to mediate talks. Asif's post, which he later deleted, accused Israel of genocide in Lebanon and used inflammatory language. The incident adds tension to already fragile diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in West Asia.

Key Points: US Congressman Slams Pakistan Defence Minister's Israel Remarks

  • US condemns Pakistani official's remarks
  • Khawaja Asif called Israel "evil"
  • Statement risks fragile ceasefire talks
  • Post deleted after backlash
  • US envoy uses movie analogy to back Israel
2 min read

US Congressman slams Pak Defence Minister's remarks on Israel, says hateful 'rhetoric unproductive at this fragile moment'

US Rep. Josh Gottheimer calls Pakistani minister's anti-Israel rhetoric "unacceptable" and counterproductive to fragile ceasefire talks.

"Hateful rhetoric like this is beyond unacceptable and unproductive at this fragile moment. - Josh Gottheimer"

Washington DC, April 10

US Congressman Josh Gottheimer slammed Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his statement concerning Israel, calling the rhetoric "unacceptable" and counterproductive amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a complete end to the conflict in West Asia.

In a post on X, Gottheimer stated that such remarks from a top Pakistani official amid such times, when Islamabad is trying to act as a mediator between the US and Iran, were a "spewing vile rhetoric targeting Jews and Israel."

"This is nuts! While Pakistan is leading ceasefire talks, their defense minister is spewing vile rhetoric targeting Jews and Israel. Hateful rhetoric like this is beyond unacceptable and unproductive at this fragile moment. This is not diplomacy and must be condemned," his post read.

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.

"Israel is evil and a curse for humanity, while peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon. Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated," the post read.

"I hope and pray people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European jews burn in hell," it added.

The Pakistan Defence Minister's statement has put the fragile ceasefire at more risk, even before the commencement of the negotiations in Islamabad.

Asif later deleted his post after intense backlash and condemnation.

Separately, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also weighed in on the broader situation, strongly backing Israel and criticising those supporting groups hostile to it.

In a post on X, Huckabee said, "Equating Israel stopping Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis & their 'Mother Ship' Iran is equating John McClane & Hans Gruber in that great Christmas movie classic 'Die Hard.' People who support the terrorists over Israel are sick & demonic. Full stop."

His remarks referenced John McClane and Hans Gruber from the film Die Hard to draw a comparison in support of Israel's actions against groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as the Houthis.

The comments come at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, with ongoing hostilities involving Israel and multiple regional actors, alongside diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is why Pakistan's credibility as a mediator is always questioned. How can you host peace talks while your own defence minister is posting such inflammatory things? It shows a complete lack of diplomatic maturity. The US reaction is fully justified.
A
Aman W
The situation is very complex. As an Indian, I see the suffering on both sides. But comparing a nation to a "cancerous state" and invoking hellfire is not diplomacy, it's just adding fuel to the fire. 🤦‍♂️ The deleted post says it all.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the US officials' strong reaction. It highlights the double standards sometimes. When similar rhetoric comes from other quarters, the condemnation isn't always this swift or public. The reference to a Christmas movie by the ambassador is also quite a choice for such a serious topic.
V
Vikram M
The US Congressman is correct that such rhetoric is unproductive. However, the core issue remains the violence and loss of innocent life. The world needs responsible leadership from all sides, not social media outbursts. India's position of advocating for a two-state solution through direct dialogue remains the most sensible path forward.
K
Karthik V
Frankly, this kind of language from a sitting defence minister is shocking, even for Pakistan's standards. It completely undermines any peace process. Hope cooler heads prevail and the focus shifts back to saving lives in the region. 🙏

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