By | Atta Rasool Malik
In the line of prophets Hazrat
Yaqub (Arabic), Yakov (Hebrew), Jacob (English) is the most prominent patriarch of Jews after Hazrat Ibrahim, (Abraham). The state of Israel was named after Hazrat Yaqub whose title was Israel. Jews look upon prophets of God as their forefathers/ancestors rather than perfect spiritual leaders/models. Quran also call upon Jews as
Bani Israel; Children of Israel or Children of Hazrat Yaqub. Politics apart, Jews are monotheists and Judaism is closest religion to Islam after newly developed
Ahmediya religion. Furthermore, Jews are not non-believers rather have a special status in Islam called ‘The People of Book’.
Pakistan and Israel are two states whose concept of nationhood rests on religious ideology. However, despite striking similarities in many ways, both states do not have diplomatic relations. Till date Pakistan does not recognize Israel as legitimate party to the conflict in Palestine. Initially, it was due to moral support to over confident Arabs which were then determined to erase Israel from World’s map and in later years Israel’s dogmatic policies and inhuman treatment of Palestinians prevented normal diplomatic relations. Arabs did not succeed in their war aim due to determination of
Bani Israel and massive support of United States. Arabs put up very good fight during Arab-Israel War of 1973, but political outcome was stalemate due to Americans diplomatic and military involvement. Then Arabs in particular and Muslim world in general realized that Israel is a reality in the Middle East. Pakistan also realized the fact that Israel is important country.
Premier Secret Service of Pakistan (ISI) and Israel (MOSSAD) had developed good working relations during Afghan War (1979-1988). At numerous occasions, particularly after year 1995, Pakistan appreciated importance of working relations with Israel due to colossal manipulating and lobbying power of Israel and its control over International Media and financial Institutions. However, despite this realization Pakistan did not recognise Israel due to frequent brutal ill treatment of Palestinians. Common people of Pakistan had highly negative image of State of Israel and no politician and military ruler was ready to confront public anger.
It was widely believed that during Gen Musharaf era, Pakistan and Israel established informal contacts and later even foreign ministers of the two countries met in Turkey in 2005. Israel and Pakistan agreed to draw certain red lines to overcome deep seated suspicions and to prevent breakout of hostilities, through good offices of Turkey. Israel assured that it had no problem with Pakistan’s nuclear bombs if her nuclear and missile technology was not proliferated to Middle East and no militant group against Israel was encouraged or facilitated. In return Israel agreed not to support India in any form; assistance in espionage and sabotage, anti-Pakistan lobbying and provision of sensitive military technology and equipment. However, routine sale of weapons to India by Israel was understandable. Relation/equation generally worked very well and threshold was not crossed by either party.
In the recent years, Israel has gone over confident /embolden as the Arabs were in 1950s. No doubt Israel has achieved few spectacular successes in Middle East. Israel has defeated many of its opponents. Libya and Iraq; the supporters of Palestinian victims have been decisively defeated. Syria, The claimant of Golan Heights is in a miserable state and its infrastructure totally demolished. Saudi Arabia due to its erratic policies is entangled in Yemen and now with Qatar. Americans on behest of Israel have introduced “Real democracy” in Egypt under “Field Marshal” Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Israel has achieved all this through her traditional and well known techniques i.e. Intrigues, sabotage, subversion and above all by exploiting stupidities of Muslim rulers of Middle East. Now Israel is celebrating the occupation of Palestine, Benjamin Netanyahu, boasting and patting his own back. Israel has rapidly started crushing Palestinian movement. Expansion of Jewish settlements in on the rise. More recently the young Muslims are barred from praying in Al-aqsa Mosque.
Israel has no legitimate interest in the neighbourhood of Pakistan but reassured and comforted Israel is reaching out to Pakistan’s neighbourhood. Israel’s MOSSAD footprint in Afghanistan is clearly visible. Its relationship with ISIS is well identified. Israel policy of creating friction amongst Muslim countries has long history and it continues till day with full vigour. Israeli efforts to create sectarian divide between Sunni and Shia Muslim are known to local leaders in many Muslim countries/communities.
Jews love for ‘golden calf’ is well documented in Torah and it is no surprise for Pakistani Muslims in fondness of Israel for India. Israeli Zionists are getting close to BJP, fanatic idol worshippers of India. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with his entire cabinet went to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport to receive Modi in a rare gesture previously reserved for US presidents. India has hired Israeli firms to defame Pakistan. A day ahead of Modi’s visit, a senior official from the Israeli foreign ministry said his country stands with India against terrorism emanating from Pakistan and was not asking for a quid pro quo. Statement was clear departure of established Israeli foreign policy. Israeli and Indian lobbies have started working together against Pakistan.
Israel relationship with India is not benign. Israel is providing sensitive military equipment and drones to India. Israel is helping India to inflict decisive blows to Kashmiri freedom fighters and create trouble in Afghanistan. Israel is punching beyond its weight.
It is time to talk straight to Israel. Israel is a legitimate party to the conflict in the Middle East but its illegitimate efforts to weaken Pakistan must be checked through offensive measures.
Author has good understanding of state of Israel and Judaism. He holds an M.Phil degree in International Relations from National Defence University, Islamabad. He can be reached at
attarasul@hotmail.com