Israel has sharply criticized Khwaja Asif (Pakistan's Defence Minister) for his inflammatory remarks labeling Israel as 'evil' and 'cancerous' while accusing it of committing genocide in Lebanon. Asif's comments came just before US-Iran peace talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office deemed the statements outrageous, emphasizing that such rhetoric cannot be tolerated from a nation purporting to mediate peace. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed this sentiment, calling Asif's comments openly antisemitic. The upcoming negotiations will see US Vice President JD Vance leading the American delegation, accompanied by other senior officials, while Iran will be represented by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks are crucial in addressing the ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly in light of recent violence in Lebanon and Gaza.