An Israeli cabinet minister expressed concern on Wednesday over what he described as a "Türkiye-Qatar-Pakistan axis" that he claims is influencing regional geopolitics. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli stated in an interview with Israel's 103 FM radio that this emerging alliance is troubling for Tel Aviv, particularly because the three nations helped shape the recently announced agreement between the United States and Iran.
Israeli Minister's Concerns
Chikli remarked, "What we are witnessing is the rise of a new axis." He added that the deal between Washington and Tehran is concerning, and the least of his worries is the rehabilitation of the Iranian economy. His comments come amid sharp criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with opposition figures accusing him of failure, claiming that US President Donald Trump excluded him from negotiations with Iran aimed at ending the conflict.
US-Iran Agreement
Washington and Tehran reached a temporary truce on April 8 through Pakistani mediation before announcing a framework agreement on Monday to end the war. The accord is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday. Israeli government ministers have publicly expressed their opposition to the agreement. There was no immediate response from Türkiye, Qatar, or Pakistan to Chikli's remarks. The three countries have supported diplomatic solutions to settle the US-Iran conflict and efforts to promote regional stability.
Israeli Finance Minister's Statements
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also condemned the deal on Monday, claiming it is "bad for Israel and the entire free world." He stated on X, "The joint campaign had many achievements in weakening Iran, and they will not go to waste. We will have to continue the campaign to topple the regime ourselves and in creative ways, and ensure that Iran will never have nuclear weapons." Smotrich further claimed that Tel Aviv will be tested in Lebanon and said he will "continue to act" to give the Israeli army "full freedom of action to continue pushing Hezbollah away."
Details of the Agreement
US President Donald Trump declared on Sunday that a peace agreement with Iran had been completed. The deal includes halting war on all fronts, including Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the end of a US naval blockade on Iran. Despite the announcement, the Israeli army continued to launch airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Monday. According to Lebanese officials, the Israeli attacks have killed over 3,700 people, wounded nearly 11,500, and displaced over 1.5 million since March 2.
