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Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has alleged Hamas-linked activity is taking place in Bangladesh and Pakistan, reports Indian broadcaster NDTV.
In an interview with the Indian outlet, the envoy expressed “deep scepticism” about Pakistan's role as a mediator and questioned Islamabad's commitment to combating extremism.
Israel does not trust Pakistan, viewing its attempts to mediate the recent conflict between the US and Iran with caution, Azar said.
"There are countries that think peace means promoting a situation in which Israel does not exist," Azar said, arguing that Israel's understanding of peace differs from those of some actors in the region.
He also criticised Qatar’s role in regional affairs, reports bdnews24.com, citing the Indian broadcaster.
The envoy made his biggest claim, saying that Israel has been monitoring what it believes to be Hamas-linked activity in Pakistan and Bangladesh since the Palestinian group’s Oct 7 attacks in 2023.
Azar said some of these reports are based on publicly available information, but other activities could remain outside public view.
He warned that the Oct 7 attacks could serve as a model for operations elsewhere, stating that it should concern governments across the region.
The potential spread of “extremist movements” and “radical networks” represents a broader security challenge, he added.
Israel has shared these concerns with Indian authorities, the envoy said.
Azar also accused parts of the Pakistani establishment of encouraging anti-Semitic narratives, which he said would undermine confidence in any shift in Islamabad’s approach towards Israel and regional stability.
The envoy said he had personally encouraged discussions and briefings with officials who track extremist movements, emphasising that the potential spread of radical networks represents a broader security challenge.
His remarks are likely to draw attention in India, which has long expressed concerns about cross-border terrorism and the activities of extremist organisations in South Asia.
Azar also accused sections of Pakistan's establishment of encouraging anti-Semitic narratives.
Referring to comments made by Pakistani officials, he argued that such rhetoric undermines confidence in any meaningful shift in Islamabad's approach toward Israel and regional stability.
“The allegations regarding Hamas activity in Pakistan and Bangladesh are likely to generate debate in diplomatic and security circles, particularly as regional powers navigate a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape,” NDTV said.