Israel has reportedly threatened to target at least 30 locations in Iraq, including sites connected to Iranian-backed groups and Iraqi state facilities, if Iraq’s leadership does not curb the activities of these factions, according to the Saudi-based Elaph news site.
The warning comes as Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government struggles to convince the Islamic Resistance in Iraq—a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups—to halt their attacks on Israel. These groups have intensified rocket and drone strikes, claiming to act in solidarity with Hamas and Hezbollah amid ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Sources from within these militias and Iraqi government advisors revealed that the Kataib Hezbollah and Nujaba groups, which are spearheading the offensive, have resisted pressure from al-Sudani, vowing to continue their assaults as long as Israel’s military actions persist.
Over the weekend, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq stated it had launched four drone strikes on the Israeli city of Eilat. Israel confirmed intercepting three drones approaching from the east, but the militia claimed all four targeted “vital” sites within an hour’s timeframe.
The exchanges have taken place amid warnings of a broader conflict. Reports suggest that Iran is contemplating an attack on Israel from Iraqi soil in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Tehran on October 26. Both nations have been locked in a cycle of strikes over recent weeks, fueling fears of regional escalation.
According to Axios, Israeli intelligence sources believe an Iranian-led offensive may occur before the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Western governments have expressed hopes for de-escalation, but U.S. and Israeli officials anticipate further retaliatory moves from Iran.
