Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has alleged that Hamas-linked activity is being observed in both Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to a report by Indian broadcaster NDTV.
In remarks made during an interview, Reuven Azar also expressed strong scepticism regarding Pakistan’s role in regional mediation efforts, questioning Islamabad’s commitment to countering extremism. He said Israel views Pakistan’s involvement in attempts to mediate recent tensions between the United States and Iran with caution and does not fully trust its position in such diplomatic roles.
Reuven Azar stated that “some countries believe peace means promoting a situation in which Israel does not exist,” adding that Israel’s own interpretation of peace differs significantly from that of certain regional actors. He further criticised Qatar’s role in regional affairs.
The ambassador made his most serious allegation by claiming that Israel has been monitoring what it considers Hamas-linked activity in Pakistan and Bangladesh since the 7 October 2023 attacks carried out by the Palestinian group. He noted that while some of the information is based on publicly available sources, other elements may not be visible to the public.
He warned that the 7 October attacks could inspire similar operations elsewhere and said governments across the region should take the possibility seriously. According to him, the rise of what he described as “extremist movements” and “radical networks” presents a wider security concern.
Reuven Azar also said Israel has communicated these concerns to Indian authorities. He added that he has engaged with officials involved in tracking extremist groups, stressing that the spread of such networks poses a broader regional challenge.
The envoy further accused parts of the Pakistani establishment of promoting anti-Semitic narratives, arguing that such rhetoric undermines confidence in any potential shift in Islamabad’s approach toward Israel and regional stability.
His comments are expected to draw attention in diplomatic and security circles, particularly in South Asia, where concerns about cross-border extremism remain sensitive.
NDTV noted that the allegations are likely to trigger debate as regional actors navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
