Unreliable: Israeli envoy says Pak lacks trust needed for Iran war mediation

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar says Pakistan lacks the credibility needed to play a constructive role in mediation of the US-Israel-Iran war.

In Short

• Rubio said India raised no objection to Islamabad's facilitator role
• Azar said mediation falters when intermediaries appear sympathetic to extremists
• He said extremist tactics used against Israel could spread to South Asia

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has questioned Pakistan's ability to serve as a credible mediator amid the Middle East conflict, calling the country an "unreliable" and "problematic player" at a time when Washington has increasingly engaged Islamabad over the conflict involving Iran.

In an interview with PTI, Reuven Azar said Pakistan lacks the credibility needed to play a constructive role in mediation efforts. His remarks come weeks after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said India had not raised concerns about Pakistan's role as a facilitator in discussions related to the Iran conflict.

PAKISTAN NOT A TRUSTED MEDIATOR, SAYS ENVOY

"I don't think they are reliable," he said when asked about Pakistan's potential role as a mediator.

The envoy argued that mediation becomes difficult when an intermediary is perceived as being sympathetic towards extremist groups. He added that when mediators lean towards a "terrorist entity" or "legitimise radicalism", it becomes "very tricky because the US has to exercise special caution not to fall into traps set not only by the opposing side but also by the mediator".

His comments are significant because Washington has been acknowledging Pakistan's credible role in facilitating discussions linked to the Iran conflict.

Last month, Rubio said India's concerns regarding Pakistan remained focused on terrorism and armed groups operating from Pakistani territory rather than Islamabad's involvement in mediation efforts. According to him, the issue of Pakistan acting as a facilitator in the Iran situation did not emerge as a point of concern during his meetings with Indian leaders.

MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT A 'PREVIEW' FOR INDIA

The Israeli envoy also drew parallels between security threats faced by Israel and challenges that could emerge in India due to neighboring country.

The Israeli envoy cautioned that extremist methods are no longer confined to one conflict zone and are spreading across regions. He claimed that the threats Israel faces today could eventually appear elsewhere, including in South Asia.

According to the envoy, Israel's security challenges often provide a glimpse of future threats because the country remains one of the most frequently targeted nations in the world. He alleged that extremist groups around the world are studying the methods used during the October 7 attacks and attempting to replicate elements of those operations.

Azar further argued that tactics associated with hybrid warfare, including the use of human shields and efforts to influence public opinion through media campaigns, could become more common in other regions.

The envoy also alleged that Hamas leaders have increased their visits to Pakistan and Bangladesh over the past two years, which showed connection among radical elements across different regions.

- Ends
With inputs from agencies