Iraqi militias with ties to Iran have claimed responsibility for an attack on Israel, marking the first confirmed instance of them hitting Israel from Iraqi soil. The attack coincided with a confirmed aerial attack on the southern Israeli coastal city of Eilat, where a hangar was lightly damaged. The militias, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have previously claimed attacks on Israel but this is the first one confirmed by Israel. The militias have been assisted by Tehran in building up a stockpile of long-range drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles in recent years.
The Israel military confirmed that the suspicious aerial target that hit the naval base in Eilat originated from Israel’s east. Previously, the Iraqi militias had claimed to have targeted a Christian village in Israel’s northern Galilee region with a drone launched from Iraq. This latest attack suggests that the missile or drone evaded Saudi or Jordanian air defenses en route to its target, indicating a successful attack from Iraq. In November, a drone launched from Syria hit a school in Eilat, prompting swift retaliation from Israel.
The IRI has claimed missile attacks against Haifa and Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv in the past, but none of these have been confirmed by Israel. The militias often claim one to two drone attacks on Israel each week, most likely launched from either Iraq or Syria due to proximity. Despite these attacks, Israel may not respond with military action in Iraq unless significant equipment or casualties are involved. The Iraqi government is concerned about becoming a battleground for external actors like the United States and Iran, and is looking to acquire more advanced air defense systems to protect against potential Israeli attacks.
Iraq has been trying to purchase long-range air defense systems for years, with various political factions seeking to buy from favored countries. Corruption has hindered progress in acquiring these systems, leaving Iraq vulnerable to potential attacks. In the past, Israel has bombed targets belonging to Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria as part of its ongoing air campaign against Iranian forces and their regional allies. Despite these tensions, Iraq has been cautious about escalating the situation and risking further attacks from Israel.
The recent attack on Israel by the Iraqi militias highlights the growing complexity of the conflict in the region, with various actors using drones and missiles to target each other. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has exacerbated tensions and prompted responses from groups like the IRI, seeking to demonstrate their support for the Palestinian cause. As the situation continues to evolve, the potential for further attacks and retaliation remains a concern for all parties involved. The international community is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation and mitigate the risk of a wider conflict in the region.
