Islamabad and Tel Aviv are located at a distance of 4418 kilometers away, despite the distance Israel and Pakistan are considered ideological enemies. But what is the reason for the bitter rivalry and why Pakistan avoids open relations with Israel.
There are no official diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Israel while India is the biggest arms importer from Israel. Why two countries located nearby have such different relation with Israel? This story reveals the complete details.
First Attempts of Diplomatic Relation:
It is said that in 1947 Israel made the first attempt to start relationship with Pakistan but Jinnah ignored the request of Israeli Prime minister David Ben-Gurion.
It is said in 1950 another attempt was made with similar response from Pakistan. The reason is said to be the understanding that Israel was an illegitimate state occupying Muslim lands which is considered holiest among the population of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Role in Six Day War:
Many Israeli and Pakistani journalist and writers have claimed that Pakistan supported the Arab allies during the six day war against Israel. It is said that pilots from Pakistan Air Force (PAF) participated in the war destroying Israeli aircrafts.
Saiful Azam who was part of PAF is said to shot 4 Israeli planes during the 6 day war. Pakistani volunteers also fought Israel during the siege of Beirut, Lebanon.
Israel Plan Against Pakistan’s Nuclear Program:
Pakistan is the only Muslim country with Atomic bombs and nuclear warheads. It is claimed that Israel made a detailed plan to bomb Pakistan’s nuclear installation but backed out after India refused to offer refueling services.
Adrian Levy and Catherine Scott-Clark claim that India feared that in retaliation Pakistan will wage a war against her.
In his research papers McNair also provided details about the proposed Israeli plan to destroy Pakistan’s ‘Islamic Bomb’.
ISI & Mossad Links:
Despite bitter relations both countries cooperated on multiple occasions especially due to pressure from United States of America (USA).
The first intelligence cooperation between the countries was during Soviet invasion. USA launched Operation Cyclone which was a program to arm Afghan fighters, during this Pakistani and Israeli intelligence agencies came in contact for the first time.
Later intelligence cooperation is not known but wiki leaks cable reveals that ISI Chief General Ahmad Shuja Pasha shared intelligence reports with Israel about possible attack on Jewish targets in Mumbai. Later on 26 November Mumbai Attack happened in which a Jewish community centre ‘Nariman House’ was also attacked.
Attempts For Diplomatic Relations:
It is said that Benazir Bhutto was the first Pakistani ruler who met Israeli Officials in USA to initiate diplomatic relations between the countries in 1995.
General Pervez Musharraf also attempted to initiate relations and Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri met Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom in 2005. It was the first public meeting between the officials of both countries.
Pervez Musharraf on different occasions called for better relations with both countries but failed to continue it due to public opposition.
After Imran Khan became the Prime Minister of Pakistan rumors were circulated indicating new attempts to initiate relations. It was also claimed that flight from Israel landed in Pakistan, Pakistani government denied these claims.
On February 26, 2019 Indian violated Pakistani airspace and bombed Balakot. According to Indian media reports the Indian Air Force (IAF) used Israeli made Rafael Spice-2000 bombs.
India purchases Israeli air defence, radar systems and ammunition, including air-to-ground missiles. Combined military trainings were also held for commandos of both countries in Israel.