Pakistan Defense Minister Calls Netanyahu the World’s Most Evil Leader, Demands His Forced Arrest and Trial

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif has ignited a fresh diplomatic storm after accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being the “most evil” individual the modern world has known and calling for him to be forcibly brought before an international court.

In remarks circulated widely by regional and international media, Asif said Netanyahu bore direct responsibility for what he described as crimes against humanity stemming from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. He argued that if the United States truly stood for human rights, it should ensure Netanyahu faces trial, even invoking past examples of high-profile foreign leaders who were seized abroad and prosecuted.

The comments mark one of the strongest verbal attacks by a senior Pakistani official against Israel’s leadership and reflect growing anger across much of the Global South over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war. Civilian casualties, mass displacement, and widespread destruction have fueled calls from some governments and activists for international legal action against Israeli officials.

Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has long aligned itself diplomatically with the Palestinian cause. Asif’s remarks, however, go beyond Islamabad’s traditional condemnations, explicitly endorsing the idea of coercive action to bring a sitting foreign leader to justice.

Israeli officials did not immediately respond to the comments, but Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected accusations of war crimes, insisting that Israel’s actions are acts of self-defense following attacks by Hamas. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has also dismissed claims that Israeli leaders should be prosecuted, while urging restraint and humanitarian access.

Analysts say Asif’s language is unlikely to translate into concrete action but is politically significant. It underscores widening fractures in global opinion over the Gaza conflict and highlights increasing pressure on Western governments from allies and partners who argue that international law is being applied selectively.

As the war continues, such rhetoric is expected to intensify, deepening diplomatic divides and complicating efforts to broker any durable ceasefire or political settlement.