Iraq–Israel relations
Iraq–Israel relations (short, simple version)
Iraq does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Since Israel was founded in 1948, Iraq has not recognized Israel as a country, and the two states have remained in a state of hostility. Iraq fought against Israel in the 1948 war and later sent forces to participate in the Six-Day War (1967) and the Yom Kippur War (1973). Over the decades, Iraq supported Arab and Palestinian groups that opposed Israel, while Israel viewed Iraq as a security threat at various times.
Key points in the relationship
- Early years and war era: After the 1948 creation of Israel, Iraq joined other Arab states in fighting Israel. Iraqi troops were involved indirectly or directly in conflicts related to the Arab–Israeli wars, and Iraq did not sign a ceasefire with Israel after 1948. During the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq fired missiles at Israel hoping to provoke an Israeli response that would fracture the US-led coalition; Israel did not retaliate under American pressure.
- 1980s: Israel carried out Operation Opera in 1981, bombing Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor. At the same time, Israel’s policy during the Iran–Iraq War included covert support for Iran against Iraq, a notable example of how Israel and Iraq pursued opposing interests in the region.
- 1990s and 2000s: Iraq generally refused to recognize Israel and supported the Arab League boycott of Israel. Some Iraqi leaders and politicians suggested better ties with Israel, but such ideas were controversial and not adopted as official policy. For example, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani met briefly with Israeli officials in 2008 at an international gathering, but this did not lead to formal relations. An Iraqi parliamentarian, Mithal al-Alusi, visited Israel in 2004 and 2008 and called for diplomatic and intelligence cooperation, a move that drew significant protests in Iraq.
- Gaza conflicts and Iraqi reactions: During Israel’s Gaza operations (notably 2008–09), the Iraqi government condemned Israeli attacks and called for civilian protection and international action. Iraq has generally supported Palestinians and condemned Israeli actions in Gaza.
- 2003 invasion of Iraq and afterward: The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq did not include Israel, but there were reports that Israeli leaders were supportive of actions against Saddam Hussein’s regime and were urging a stronger stance by the United States. Some officials argue Israel’s role was limited, while others say Israel was strongly interested in removing Saddam from power.
- 2010s developments and Kurdish relations: In the 2010s, Israel showed occasional interest in Iraq’s regional dynamics, especially regarding Iraqi Kurdistan. Before and during ISIL-related conflicts, Israel supported Kurdish autonomy in Iraqi Kurdistan, and Israeli leaders lobbied for Kurdish gains when Iraq was fighting ISIL. In 2017, when Iraq’s Kurdistan region faced pressure from Baghdad, Israel’s stance remained sympathetic to Kurdish autonomy.
- 2022 law banning ties with Israel: In May 2022, the Iraqi Parliament passed a law prohibiting normalization of relations with Israel and forbidding “financial or moral” support for Israel. Violating the law could carry severe penalties, including the death penalty or life imprisonment. The United States and other Western governments criticized the law, saying it could threaten freedom of expression and stability in the region.
- 2023–2024 security tensions: In November 2023, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq began carrying out operations against Israel, including drone and missile activity aimed at targets in Israel and occupied areas. Israel warned it would defend itself, and the Iraqi government said it would protect its sovereignty and respond to threats. In late 2024, Israeli media reported that Israel might target Iranian-backed militias in Iraq connected to campaigns against Israel in Gaza and Lebanon. Iraq warned against escalation and sought Arab League involvement. Israel also submitted a letter to the UN Security Council asserting its right to self-defense, which Iraq criticized as a pretext for broader aggression.
Current status
- There are no formal diplomatic ties between Iraq and Israel.
- Official Iraqi policy remains distrustful of Israel, in line with the Arab League boycott and broad public opinion in Iraq.
- Some Iraqi individuals and groups advocate closer ties or cooperation with Israel, but these views have not translated into official government policy.
- Regional dynamics, including Iran’s influence and ISIL-related security concerns, shape Iraq’s stance toward Israel.
See also
- Iraq–Palestine relations
- Iraqi Jews in Israel
- Arab–Israeli conflict
- Israeli–Kurdish relations
- International recognition of Israel
Note: This summary focuses on broad, publicly discussed themes and does not cover every nuance or every recent development.
This page was last edited on 1 February 2026, at 22:10 (CET).