Pakistani Defense Minister Calls Israel an 'Illegitimate State' and Urges Unified Muslim Military Front

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared Israel an illegitimate state and a threat to the Muslim world in a televised interview on August 8, 2026. He called for a united military front among Muslim countries to confront Israel, emphasizing that the recent security agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey should be expanded to include all Islamic nations. Asif warned that despite potential changes in Israeli leadership, the anti-Islamic sentiment and policies toward Palestinians would remain unchanged, citing that differences between leaders like Naftali Bennett and others are marginal.

Asif criticized Israel as a product of the 1940s Balfour Declaration and accused it of exploiting divisions within the Muslim world. He stressed the need for a unified and uncompromising stance against Israel, especially in light of ongoing tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel. The Pakistani defense minister also highlighted that the trilateral security agreement addresses terrorism threats, including those allegedly supported by India, and incorporates lessons from last year's conflict.

He urged Muslim countries to set aside bilateral disputes and unite under a collective platform similar to NATO to effectively counter Israel and other geopolitical threats. The official details of the security pact are expected to be released jointly by the three governments soon.