Israeli defence ministry denies weapons sale to Pakistan

The Israeli Defense Ministry denied a report alleging that it has sold military equipment to Pakistan, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. "The State of Israel categorically denies having sold military equipment of any kind to Pakistan," the ministry said in a statement. On Tuesday, the Ha'aretz daily reported that Israel sold defense weapons to Pakistan, as well as to Morocco, citing testimonies provided by high-ranking British officials. There are no diplomatic ties between Israel and Pakistan. Moreover, Israel has been reported providing weapons to Pakistan's long-time rival, India. "Israel has strategic relationships with India... The State of Israel does nothing that could compromise its excellent relations with India," the statement added. Israel is considered to be one of the world's top arms exporters. According to an estimate published on Jan. 10 by the Defense Ministry, Israeli defense equipment exports have reached 7 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 20-percent increase from 2011.