Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has questioned Pakistan’s ability to act as a credible mediator in the ongoing Middle East conflict, describing the country as an “unreliable” and “problematic” player amid growing international discussions involving Iran.
In an interview with PTI, Azar expressed scepticism about Islamabad’s suitability for any mediation role, particularly as the United States has increasingly engaged Pakistan in discussions linked to the Iran situation.
Pakistan lacks credibility, says envoy
When asked about Pakistan’s potential role as a mediator, Azar said he did not consider the country a reliable intermediary.
The envoy argued that mediation efforts become complicated when a facilitator is perceived as being sympathetic to extremist groups or radical elements.
According to Azar, any mediator must maintain credibility and neutrality to effectively facilitate dialogue between opposing sides.
He further stated that when a mediator is viewed as legitimising radicalism or maintaining links with extremist entities, countries involved in negotiations must exercise additional caution.
Remarks come amid US engagement with Pakistan
Azar’s comments come at a time when Washington has acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating discussions related to the Iran conflict.
Last month, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that India had not raised concerns about Pakistan’s involvement as a facilitator during discussions with American officials.
According to Rubio, India’s concerns regarding Pakistan continue to focus primarily on terrorism and armed groups operating from Pakistani territory rather than its role in diplomatic engagement concerning Iran.
The issue has attracted attention as global powers seek channels of communication to reduce tensions in the region.
Envoy draws parallels with India’s security concerns
The Israeli ambassador also highlighted what he described as similarities between security challenges faced by Israel and those that could potentially emerge in South Asia.
Azar argued that extremist tactics used in one region often spread to others over time and warned that countries must remain vigilant against evolving security threats.
According to the envoy, Israel frequently encounters emerging forms of terrorism and hybrid warfare before they appear elsewhere.
He suggested that the methods employed by extremist organisations are increasingly being studied and adapted across different regions.
Concerns over hybrid warfare tactics
Azar also referred to what he described as hybrid warfare strategies, including the use of human shields and efforts to influence public opinion through coordinated media campaigns.
He claimed that such tactics are becoming increasingly common in modern conflicts and could pose challenges beyond the Middle East.
The envoy stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing evolving security threats and combating extremist networks.
Claims regarding regional extremist links
During the interview, Azar further alleged that leaders associated with Hamas have increased visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh over the past two years.
He argued that such developments point to growing connections among radical elements operating in different regions.
However, the remarks reflect the ambassador’s assessment and have not been independently verified in the context of the interview.
Debate over mediation role continues
Azar’s comments add a new dimension to discussions surrounding Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy and conflict resolution efforts.
As international stakeholders continue to explore diplomatic solutions to tensions involving Iran, questions regarding the credibility and effectiveness of potential mediators are likely to remain part of the broader geopolitical debate.
The Israeli envoy’s remarks underscore the differing perspectives among countries regarding Pakistan’s role in international negotiations and regional security matters.