US has 'own reasons' for engaging: Israel envoy flays Pakistan's mediator role in Iran ceasefire, questions its credibility

Reuven Azar, Israel’s ambassador to India, questioned Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States, saying Israel does not consider Pakistan a “credible player.” He added that the US may have its own reasons for involving Pakistan.

Azar said Israel’s main goal is to ensure there is no “terrorist infrastructure” of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

He also compared the situation to past cases where the US, under Donald Trump, worked with countries like Qatar and Turkey—which he called “problematic”—to help broker ceasefire deals in Gaza, including talks involving Hamas.

He stressed that Israel wants to stay aligned with the United States on the goals and outcomes of the situation. At the same time, he made a distinction between Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and with Iran, showing support for a temporary ceasefire with Iran while maintaining its focus on eliminating Hezbollah’s presence in southern Lebanon.

"It has nothing to do with the operation in Iran. When it comes to Lebanon, as I said, we have to achieve a situation in which southern Lebanon will be cleaned from Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure. That's the responsibility of the Lebanese government. When it comes to Iran, we hope that this negotiation will lead to the conditions that are part of the 15-point plan," he said.

The Israeli envoy said Tel Aviv has the right to defend itself on its northern border from the attacks of Hezbollah. 

"In the last few hours, the Israeli air force has conducted a massive operation. We removed more than 250 Hezbollah terrorists all around Lebanon. We are very clear that the terms of the ceasefire that were put forward last year have to be retained. We can't agree to the presence of Hezbollah south of the Litani. They have to be disarmed. And we expect the Lebanese government to play a much more significant role, not just by talking but also by removing the capabilities of Hezbollah so we can be sure that our communities in the north won't be attacked again," he added.