Imran Khan, the founder and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been named by the Times of Israel blog as the best qualified leader to restore diplomatic ties between Israel and Pakistan. The Israeli blog highlighted Imran Khan’s personal connections to prominent pro-Israel individuals, like as his former in-laws, the Goldsmith family, and referenced his approach to foreign policy during his time as prime minister.

It made clear that Imran Khan’s relationship with Jemima Goldsmith, his ex-wife, and her family—especially his brother-in-law Zac Goldsmith—had a big influence on how he saw Israel.

Zac Goldsmith, a well-known person in Jewish and pro-Israel circles, is rumoured to have impacted Imran Khan’s thinking on the subject.

According to the author, Imran Khan has a distinct perspective as a result of his family connection, which makes him more receptive to changing Pakistan’s position towards Israel.

Pakistan’s historical pro-Palestinian position is a result of its dedication to the Muslim population worldwide and its status as an Islamic Republic.

The governments of Pakistan have consistently refused to establish diplomatic ties with Israel and denounced its actions in the Palestinian territories.

During his government, Imran Khan also openly maintained this position, denouncing Israel’s practices and rejecting the notion of normalisation as long as the Palestinian question was unresolved.

The blog claims that informal messages indicating possible steps towards normalising relations between the two nations have been passed to Israeli officials via the Goldsmith family.

The blog emphasised that although this would be a big obstacle for Pakistan’s political system, his leadership might make a change in the way Pakistan-Israel relations now stand.

The blog stressed that Imran Khan’s political participation in Pakistan is essential for any possible diplomatic advancement, and it urged Israel and its allies to make sure he stays involved in politics.

The author also pointed out that Imran Khan’s pragmatic foreign policy, which he embraced while in power, may play a significant role in changing Pakistan’s strategy towards Israel.

Certain political observers have noted a rise in Zionist lobbying attempts to win Imran Khan’s release from detention, and they saw the Times of Israel blog as a component of a larger plan to facilitate his foray back into politics.

Under his direction, Pakistan struck a historic agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to normalise diplomatic ties in 2020, but Prime Minister Imran Khan vehemently denied any chance Pakistan may build relations with Israel.

In an interview with a private television channel, he stated, “Our stance has been very clear from day one and Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had said Pakistan can never accept the state of Israel until the people of Palestine get rights and state.”

Additionally, he asserted that recognising Israel as a state would mean abandoning Pakistan’s position on Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“The situation of the Palestinians is comparable to that of the Kashmiri people; they have had Israeli atrocities committed against them, and their rights have been stolen.”

He also stated unequivocally that he has no “second thought” about acknowledging Israel.

He continued, “Until there is a just settlement that satisfies Palestinians, I have no second thought to recognise Israel.”