Former Israeli minister threatens Pakistan

Social media users warn that provocative statements only strengthen Pakistan’s resolve and unity

TEL AVIV: Former Israeli Deputy Minister of Defence and Labour Party Central Committee member, Meir Masri, has threatened Pakistan’s nuclear programme in a social media post.
Masri, who wrote in Arabic, and Urdu, posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “After Iran’s campaign, we may seek to dismantle Pakistan’s nuclear programme.”
Masri currently holds no official government post but retains influence within Israeli political and strategic circles as a member of the Labour Party’s senior leadership.
He further went on to say, “Pakistan is not far from Iran. Your understanding is sufficient.”
Social media users were quick to respond, with many rallying behind Pakistan and condemning Meir Masri’s remarks.
Some pointed out that such threats only strengthen Pakistan’s resolve and national unity. Others reminded Masri of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent and past diplomatic restraint.
On Monday, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar issued a stern warning to Israel amid rising regional tensions.
“Our message is very clear for Israel: Dare not look at Pakistan,” he said, emphasising that the country remains on high alert and has the strength and resolve to respond decisively to any aggression.
Dar also recalled the national unity shown by Pakistanis during previous escalations with India, affirming that the nation would remain united in defending its sovereignty.
These remarks came amid swirling rumours on social media claiming Pakistan threatened to launch a nuclear strike on Israel in retaliation for any attack on Iran—claims the government categorically denied.
Anti-war protesters gather outside White House, urge action against Israel
Urge President Trump to avoid war Web Desk
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the White House on June 18 evening to protest Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and Iran, calling for an end to the violence and urging President Donald Trump to resist deeper US involvement in the widening conflict.
The protest, organised by the ANSWER Coalition, featured a sea of Palestinian and Iranian flags, keffiyehs, and signs reading “No New War in the Middle East” and “Stop US Weapons to Israel.”
Demonstrators chanted in support of a “people’s arms embargo”, demanding that US arms shipments to Israel be halted immediately.
The protest comes as US officials weigh a possible entry into the regional war, following Israel’s unprovoked attacks on Iranian soil and Iran’s retaliatory missile launches.
At one point, a small group carrying Israeli flags arrived, sparking tension as protesters began chanting against Zionism.
Police intervened quickly, forming a bicycle barricade to separate the groups. A minor confrontation was observed when an officer pushed back a protester who refused to step away.
Despite periods of heavy rain, the demonstration remained peaceful but impassioned, with chants for Palestinian liberation and an end to Israeli military actions across Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen.
While Israel claimed its attacks targeted Iran’s Natanz enrichment site, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported damage to underground centrifuge halls.
In response, Iran launched 400 missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including the much-touted Fattah-1 missile.
Protests also took place across different cities in the US, with many taking to the streets of New York, Philadelphia, and Orlando to march against US involvement in the Iran-Israel war.–NNI