Former Israeli deputy defence minister threatens Pakistan's nuclear programme
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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.'
بعد حملة إيران، قد نسعى إلى تفكيك النووي الباكستاني. — Meir Masri | מאיר מסרי (@MeirMasri) June 18, 2025
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."
باكستان لا تبعد كثيراً عن إيران. وفهمكم كفاية.
پاکستان ایران سے زیادہ دور نہیں ہے۔ آپ کی سمجھ کافی ہے۔ — Meir Masri | מאיר מסרי (@MeirMasri) June 15, 2025
Social media users were quick to respond, with many rallying behind Pakistan and condemning Meir Masri's remarks.
Do discuss with Captain Lutz before any such plan, he will definitely help you with the strategy 😎🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/vPvWHGmTJv
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) June 19, 2025
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.
Lol, you didn't dared to run a mission Phantom Flight back in when we didn't had nukes and now we have so keep day dreaming! pic.twitter.com/ZYobvwn14L — Usman Ghani (@THistorians) June 18, 2025
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.
Read: DPM rebukes fake news claiming Pakistan plans nuclear strike on Israel
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.
Meanwhile, Iranian missile strikes caused heavy damage across central and southern Israel, including a direct hit near Soroka Medical Centre in Be'er Sheva.
Israel confirmed incoming attacks in multiple locations and responded with airstrikes targeting Iran's Khondab nuclear facility, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Iranian state media reported that the Khondab heavy-water reactor had been evacuated before the Israeli strike, with no radiation risk detected.
In Holon near Tel Aviv, a missile strike seriously injured one person and wounded over two dozen others as a residential building collapsed.
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