Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, sharply criticized Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday after the minister accused Israel of genocide and described it as “evil and a curse for humanity.”

Leiter responded on social media, taking issue with both the rhetoric and Pakistan’s role in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran. “The Ayatollahs chanted ‘Death to Israel’ – and now a so-called ‘mediator’ is echoing the same language,” he wrote. “You are not a mediator Mr. Asif, you are the problem. Even if it is to your dismay, Israel is here to stay. That’s not for negotiation,” he added.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also issued a forceful response, condemning the Pakistani minister’s statements. “Israel views these blatant antisemitic blood libels very gravely from a government claiming to ‘mediate peace,'” Sa’ar said.

He further warned about the implications of such language, stating that “calling the Jewish state ‘cancerous’ is effectively calling for its annihilation.”

“Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction,” Sa’ar vowed.

The Prime Minister’s Office also weighed in, denouncing the remarks as unacceptable. “Pakistan Defense Minister’s call for Israel’s annihilation is outrageous. This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace.”