Overview
- Ambassador Reuven Azar told NDTV that Israel is not comfortable with Pakistani military participation and answered “No” when asked if Pakistan could join any Gaza mission.
- Azar tied the stance to alleged connections between Hamas and Pakistan-based groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, saying Israel works only with partners it trusts.
- He said dismantling Hamas and recovering hostages are non-negotiable prerequisites before any second-phase governance or reconstruction effort proceeds.
- Reports that the United States approached several countries, including Pakistan, for an International Stabilisation Force were noted, but Azar said many potential contributors will not fight Hamas, undercutting the concept.
- Warning that diplomacy may fall short, Azar said Israel could act on its own if Hamas does not yield under the U.S.-backed plan led by President Trump.