Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called Israel a "curse for humanity" and "evil" on social media. Israel's Prime Minister's Office condemned the remarks as "outrageous," questioning Pakistan's credibility as a neutral mediator. This occurred as Pakistan prepares to host peace talks. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar labeled the comments antisemitic. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu approved direct talks with Lebanon regarding Hezbollah disarmament.