Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Urges US, Turkey to 'Kidnap' Netanyahu, Calls Him Worst Criminal of Humanity
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has given rise to controversy by calling on the US and Turkey to 'kidnap' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring him the 'worst criminal of humanity.' Asif’s comments were made during a televised interview — a parallel to the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) January 10: Defence Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Asif pointed out that the U.S. should ‘kidnap’ Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if they believe in humanity, just as the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was taken away. Turkey could also kidnap Netanyahu and Pakistanis are praying for it, he added.
Asif's Fiery Outburst on Gaza Atrocities
In a televised interview on Thursday, Asif called Netanyahu the “worst criminal of humanity” and argued that no atrocities in history are matched by those committed against Palestinians in Gaza.
“No community has done what Israel has done to Palestinians in the last 4,000-5,000 years. He [Netanyahu] is the biggest criminal of humanity. The world has not seen a bigger criminal," Asif said.
Anchor's Quick Cut-Off Amid Trump Reference Fears
It is reported that the exchange occurred during a live broadcast helmed by senior journalist Hamid Mir. Khawaja Asif also pointed out the need to penalise Netanyahu’s enablers and backers.
The television anchor stepped in at that point to break it off and warned that when Asif talked about Netanyahu’s backers, he risked being perceived as making a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump.
Pakistan's ICC Nod and Strained US Ties in Spotlight
Pakistan has never recognized Israel and describes its relationship with Iran formally as one of fraternity and regional mutual interests. Asif referenced the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants filed against Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza, one of the legal proceedings against the Israeli leader, during the discussion.
According to The Jerusalem Post, the newscaster ended the segment by saying Asif would not be back on air after the break. The damage control effort may have been prompted as Pakistan has been struggling desperately to restore relations with the United States.
Israel's Warning on Pakistan-Hamas Terror Links
Israel is also doing its job against Pakistan. Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, previously said in an interview that the Jewish state doesn’t feel comfortable with the Pakistan army participating in any Gaza force, but is extremely concerned with the increasing connections between Hamas and Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba.
