Israel Warns Iraq: Satellites Assess Current Situation in Iraq

The Times of Israel reported Sunday that Israel has identified Iraqi targets for attack if Iran-backed militias continue to attack Israel from Iraq, warning Baghdad.

The newspaper quoted unnamed officials as saying that satellites are monitoring Tehran’s transfer of ballistic missiles and related equipment from Iran to Iraqi territory, likely for use in the event of an imminent attack on Israel.

The report added that Israel is monitoring and identifying not only Iraqi targets, but also targets linked to Iran-backed militias.

Israel has warned Baghdad that it must rein in the militias and prevent them from using its territory to launch attacks.

In recent weeks, drone attacks have increased, with regional security officials reporting an average of five attacks per day by Iranian-backed militias from inside Iraq against Israel.

Last week, eight drones were launched in a 24-hour period.

Two officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that US and partner forces have halted the offensive drones.

Security officials in the region said the ongoing attacks have increased the likelihood of a direct Israeli response to the attacks.

US warning to Iran

The United States has warned Iran that it will not be able to restrain Israel if it tries to respond to recent Israeli attacks on Iranian military facilities.

Axios quoted senior US and Israeli officials as saying that the Biden administration has warned Iran against launching another attack on Israel, stressing that it will not be able to restrain Israel.

“We have told Iran: We cannot restrain Israel and we will not be able to ensure that the next attack is as calculated and targeted as the last one,” a senior US official said.