Growing Fears of Israeli Retaliation Against Iraq

Several articles have recently been published in the media voicing concerns that Israel will retaliate against the Iraqi Islamic Resistance. This comes as Resistance factions are picking up their attacks in support of Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

 

Starting on September 22 the Iraqi Resistance has claimed drone and missile strikes upon Israel every day. On September 25 there were five such attacks the most launched in one day from Iraq since pro-Iran groups started operations against Israel in December 2023.

 

This comes after Israel began assassinating Hezbollah officials and bombing southern Lebanon. Sayid al-Shuhada and Kataib Hezbollah said they would stand with their Resistance brothers and the latter is believed to have already sent several thousand fighters to the Bekka Valley.

 

This puts the Iraqi government in a huge bind. Despite many of these groups being part of the ruling Coordination Framework the list and Baghdad has no real control over them. That has led to growing fears that Israel will retaliate against Iraq. If it chooses to do so there will be little resistance since the country does not have an air defense system or strong cyber security.

 

One analyst told Al Aalem that the Resistance actions against Israel have been completely symbolic with no impact upon the conflict and in return Iraq might be bombed or be hacked with much greater consequences.

 

The United States could be lobbying Israel to leave Iraq alone but it has struck pro-Iran groups in the country before. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems intent upon escalating things across the Middle East to stave off America’s push for a ceasefire in the Gaza War. That means Iraq could be targeted next. 

 

SOURCES

 

Al Aalem, “Sky without defenses .. Warnings of Iraq slipping into war,” 9/26/24

 

Al Mada, “As the US withdrawal announcement approaches, Iraqi factions announce their participation in Hezbollah’s response to Israel,” 9/23/24

 

Xinhua, "Iraqi militant group claims drone attack on Israel's port city," 9/26/24

- "Iraqi militant group claims drone attack on Israeli base," 9/23/24

- "Iraqi militant group claims drone, missile attacks on Israeli targets," 9/22/24

- "Iraqi militant group claims multiple drone, missile attacks on Israeli targets," 9/25/24

- "Iraqi militia claims drone attack on Israeli-occupied Golan Heights," 9/24/24

 

Al Sumaria, "Iraqi factions attack Israeli target with a swarm of drones," 9/26/24