Netanyahu’s Bold Threats: Targeting Iraq Beyond Just Resistance Groups

At the recent 80th United Nations General Assembly, world leaders expressed their condemnation of the Israeli regime for its actions in Gaza. Amidst this backdrop, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched his address by making serious accusations against Iran and regional resistance movements. He escalated tensions further with explicit threats against Iraqi Resistance groups, categorizing them as direct targets. This alarming proclamation has raised concerns regarding Iraq’s sovereignty, prompting a swift response from Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who asserted that any assault on an Iraqi citizen would be regarded as an attack on the entire nation.

In an exclusive interview with Mehr News Agency, political analyst Mohammad Bagher Heidari shared his insights on this escalating situation. Below is the transcript of the discussion:

Netanyahu’s Address: A Familiar Rhetoric

Heidari noted that Netanyahu’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly are far from new. “We have heard these statements many times from various officials at different levels of the Israeli regime. It is not new that they intend to strike the Iraqi resistance. This is nothing new.”

He recalled a previous incident about a year ago when Iraq escalated the matter to the United Nations. “At that time, we saw that the attack was prevented,” he explained.

The Dual Dimensions of Israeli Policy on Iraq

Heidari elaborated on the developments taking place in Iraq, which he described as having two significant dimensions: regional and internal.

• Regional Dimension: He explained that Israel’s view of Iraq and the Iraqi resistance is closely tied to its perspective on the broader region. “Israel seeks to expand its influence across regional countries to implement the ‘Greater Middle East’ project and realize the so-called David Corridor,” he stated. This corridor, as discussed by Israeli officials, would span a substantial part of Syria and stretch from Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to western Iraq.
• Internal Dimension: Heidari pointed out that Israel’s military engagement has already occurred on six of the seven fronts it identified, with Iraq remaining as the last unexplored frontier. “From the beginning, they announced that they would enter the Iraq front,” he noted.

The Nature of Iraqi Resistance

Discussing whether the Iraqi Resistance would be cornered by these threats, Heidari emphasized the fragmented nature of these groups. “The resistance groups in Iraq are not a single organization; they are multiple groups. If they were one unified group like Hezbollah, the calculus would be different.” He highlighted the challenges posed by Iraq’s lack of meaningful air defenses, stating, “Iraq has not been allowed by the United States to possess meaningful air defenses.” He further noted that any potential attacks would likely come in the form of airstrikes.

American Withdrawal and Its Implications

Heidari discussed the implications of the recent withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. “This raises questions: why did the Americans withdraw from Iraq at this timing?” He explained that while they did not fully withdraw, they relocated to bases in the Kurdistan Region, a move that raises concerns about future security incidents. “When the US pulls back, there is often a designed plan that leads to instability,” he warned.

He pointed out the troubling dynamics of the situation, stating, “This American pullback, combined with Israeli threats and actions by groups reminiscent of ISIL, suggests that a new chapter of unrest may be opening in Iraq.” He noted recent violent incidents, such as the killing of a cleric in Baghdad, as indicators of this escalating tension.

The Role of Iraqi Resistance Groups

Reflecting on the role of the Iraqi resistance groups, Heidari mentioned a past agreement between these groups and Prime Minister Sudani. “At the height of the attacks on Gaza a year ago, the Iraqi resistance unified under the label ‘Islamic Resistance of Iraq’,” he explained. He highlighted that these groups were conducting multiple drone and missile strikes against the Israeli regime at that time.

However, a temporary agreement was reached to refrain from attacks, contingent upon the Iraqi government’s response to any Israeli aggression. “If Iraq itself is attacked by the Israeli regime, then the government should come forward — issue a protest, a forceful condemnation, strong language — and then leave the response to the Resistance,” he stated.

Political Climate and Upcoming Elections

Heidari noted that the Iraqi foreign minister’s condemnation of Netanyahu’s remarks falls within the context of heightened political tensions due to upcoming elections. “Different actors push different narratives as election heat rises,” he explained.

He further elaborated on the timing of these threats, suggesting they are connected to the elections. “The likely winner in the upcoming election is the Coordination Framework alliance; they will likely prevail,” he predicted. This potential outcome poses a threat to Israel, leading to these provocations aimed at disrupting the electoral process.

Conclusion: A New Season of Instability

All indicators suggest a new season of instability in Iraq, with various factions vying for power and influence. “The entire country — Iraq’s security, stability, and resources — are being targeted,” Heidari concluded. He emphasized the need for vigilance as the situation continues to evolve.

As these geopolitical tensions unfold, the implications for Iraq and the broader region remain significant, warranting close observation and analysis.