Key Iraqi Figures on Israeli Target List

Several Iraqi figures have been repeatedly mentioned in the media as part of the Israeli Occupation’s potential target list in strikes planned against Iraq. These strikes are seen as retaliation for attacks by Shia groups on Israeli-occupied territories, some of which have resulted in the deaths of Israeli soldiers.

In “solidarity with Gaza,” which has been enduring Israeli genocide since October 7, 2023, Iraqi groups, alongside the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, are carrying out various operations against “Israel,” including attacks on ships linked to the Israeli Occupation in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

Potential Targets

With the launch of Operation al-Aqsa Flood, numerous leaders of Iran-aligned Shiite groups, particularly those affiliated with the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” said they are ready to fight the Israeli Occupation, especially if its aggression extends to Lebanon.

Some leaders of these groups have openly announced their participation in operations against “Israel,” launching drones and rockets at occupied territories, while others have vowed to target U.S. interests in Iraq and the region, particularly in Gulf countries.

Among the prominent figures is Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, leader of Kata'ib Hizballah, who called on the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” during the one-year mark of Operation al-Aqsa Flood to keep launching targeted strikes at the heart of “Israel” and open new fronts to wear down the enemy.

In this context, Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, stated during a speech on October 7, 2024, that “the battle with the Zionist entity will not be a losing one, as we possess the means, numbers, and ideology. Ultimately, we will see good results.”

He addressed “Israel,” saying, “It’s true you killed our leaders, but they sought nothing but martyrdom. We will continue their path, and we too may become martyrs, but our brothers will carry on our mission. God willing, we will bring joy to the hearts of our martyrs.”

In a message to former Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 21, Abu Alaa al-Walai, leader of Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, said he is ready to send 100,000 fighters to Lebanon to fight the Israelis, stating that Iraq “is the lifeline for the resistance axis, providing it with resources and personnel.”

On September 17, Akram al-Kaabi, leader of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba released a video showing him assembling an explosive drone, model “Shahed-101,” intended for launch at a vital target in “Eilat” within the Israeli-occupied territories.

On September 30, Monte Carlo reported that Israeli attacks on Iraq could include the assassination of key Shiite military and political leaders, particularly Hadi al-Amiri, the leader of the Badr militia, who is on the Israeli target list.

On October 8, Israeli Channel 14 aired a photo of Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Ali al-Sistani, in the Israeli Occupation target list alongside Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and commander of the Quds Force, Esmail Qaani.

Unlike the other names mentioned, “Israel” has not previously identified al-Sistani (94 years old) as a target for assassination. He is the religious leader of Twelver Shia Muslims, residing in the city of Najaf, Iraq, and is one of the most influential figures in the country.

Israeli Threats

“Israel” said all the previously mentioned Iraqi figures have become its potential targets in the near future. This is underscored by explicit warnings from the Hebrew press about the dangers of ignoring threats from Shiite militia leaders in Iraq.

On September 22, The Jerusalem Post cautioned Israeli authorities against “ignoring” threats coming from Iraq, urging them to take necessary measures to secure “Israel.”

It noted that Iraq has become a continuous threat to “Israel” since the October 7 attack, with Iraqi factions expanding their shelling operations towards the port of “Eilat” and some military bases.

The newspaper also emphasized the Israeli government should not overlook statements from the leader of Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Abu Alaa al-Walai.

The threats issued by Abu Alaa, including promises to send fighters to Lebanon to support Hezbollah in its war against “Israel,” currently represent a direct threat to national security, calling for necessary measures to be taken to secure “Israel” against those threats, as per The Jerusalem Post.

On September 25, the Israeli Occupation threatened to respond to attacks coming from armed factions in Iraq. 

“We are closely monitoring the threats coming from Iraq and gathering intelligence […] We will do what is necessary,” said Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

Al-Estiklal cited Iraqi sources close to the government, on October 13, who confirmed that authorities have taken a series of measures in anticipation of any Israeli army strike in response to the attacks carried out by Iranian-affiliated Shiite militias on Israeli-occupied territories.

“Iraq  Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani recently directed the need to return all leaders and members of the Popular Mobilization Forces [PMF] to their bases, distancing them from the governmental circles to which they had been temporarily relocated in previous periods,” they noted, speaking under the condition of anonymity.

“The Prime Minister's directives coincided with the withdrawal of several militias, particularly the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, from their positions, especially in the provinces of Anbar and Nineveh, which are near the Syrian border, in anticipation of potential targeting by Israel.”

The same sources revealed that “the Iraqi Prime Minister is pressuring Shiite militias and leaders of the Shiite Coordination Framework to ensure that Iraq does not become as vulnerable as Lebanon, especially since it lacks air defenses and its airspace is controlled by the United States.”

Three Scenarios

Commenting on the possibility of “Israel” targeting Iraq, Ihssan Shmary, a political science professor at Baghdad University, said, “There’s a strong chance this could happen, and any Israeli attack would further harm Iraq’s already fragile economy.”

In an interview with Anadolu Agency on October 9, Shmary outlined three scenarios for an Israeli attack on Iraq. The first scenario suggests that if an attack occurs, the country could become a battleground between “Israel”and armed groups (Shiite militias).

“If the Iraqi government reaches an agreement with the United States to mitigate potential Israeli attacks, Israel may limit its strikes to certain armed groups.”

The second scenario, according to al-Shmary, is that “Israel could target armed entities [the Popular Mobilization Forces] and their leaders, as well as those cooperating with them.”

“The third scenario involves Israel targeting the leaders of armed groups, their collaborators, and some government institutions, which could lead to heightened tensions.”

Shmary believes that “this scenario may not only target armed groups and the government but could also reach the regime itself, as Israel perceives these militias to be controlling the Iraqi government.”

“An Israeli attack on Iraq is certain, but the extent of this targeting remains unclear.” 

“Tel Aviv recently reported the deaths of two of its soldiers due to rockets fired from Iraq, which alone could serve as a pretext for Israel to strike,” said the political professor.

On October 4, the Israeli army reported that two soldiers were killed and 24 others injured, including two in critical condition, due to a drone attack launched from Iraq into northern “Israel.”

Shmary noted that growing sentiment within the Israeli Occupation is identifying Iraq as a potential threat, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might consider military action against Iraq to address domestic concerns.

“Despite the Iraqi government's commitment to protecting the country from Israeli attacks, it lacks sufficient power to prevent them,” he said.

In a recent statement, Iraq's National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, emphasized the country’s right to defend itself and respond to any acts of aggression or violations of its sovereignty. He warned that the escalating tensions in the region could lead to a third world war, a scenario that would have grave consequences for all.

“The region is experiencing extremely difficult and critical circumstances; Iraq is making significant efforts, both internally and externally, to de-escalate tensions and halt the war that has resulted in the killing and displacement of Palestinians and Lebanese,” al-Araji said during a television interview on October 7.

“If the escalation continues and the region is dragged into war, everyone will regret it. The Iraqi government is working tirelessly to keep the country away from the specter of war and is making substantial diplomatic efforts in this regard.”

Al-Araji emphasized that “only the government can declare war or peace, and that decision belongs to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Iraq does not want to get involved in a war that could have terrible outcomes.”

“Iraq is becoming an important player on the regional and international stage. It has been working to mediate conflicts and ease tensions, standing against the spread of war while supporting humanitarian efforts for the Palestinian and Lebanese people.”