Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked controversy after urging foreign powers to forcibly kidnap Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as “the worst criminal of humanity”.
Speaking during a live interview on Geo Television on Thursday, Asif said the United States should “kidnap” Netanyahu and bring him before a court.
He also suggested that Turkey could carry out such an action, arguing that international justice mechanisms justified it.
During the broadcast, Asif claimed the International Criminal Court had already taken action against Netanyahu and insisted that countries should move to enforce accountability.
Referring to recent events involving Venezuela, he said he supported similar measures against the Israeli leader.
“Turkey may abduct Netanyahu, and we Pakistanis are praying for it,” Asif stated on air.
His comments were made in the context of heightened tensions following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The interview ended abruptly, with the anchor noting that Asif would not continue on the programme after the commercial break.
Asif repeatedly cited the ICC to support his position, saying the court had acted against Netanyahu and that states had a responsibility to uphold justice.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024, a decision that has remained under legal dispute throughout 2025.
He further speculated that Turkey could “kidnap” Netanyahu and transport him to Ankara. The remarks come amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Israel and Turkey since 2024, marked by suspended trade and closed airspace, with observers cautioning that the diplomatic rift could be long-lasting.
