Israel urges action over attacks by ‘Iranian-backed militias’ in Iraq

NEWSROOM — Israel has raised concerns with the United Nations Security Council over a series of attacks on its territory, conducted by militias operating from Iraq. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar submitted a formal letter to the Security Council, urging immediate international action to address what he described as a “significant threat to international peace and security.”

In his letter, Sa’ar pointed to a surge in attacks since September 2024, involving hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles launched by groups such as Kata’ib Hezbollah, Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq, Al Nujaba, Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada, and Ansar Allah Al-Awfiya among others. These groups, he said, are subsidiaries of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a state-sponsored paramilitary network in Iraq that “operates under Iran’s directives.”

The Popular Mobilization Forces, established in 2014 to counter the advances of the Islamic State, is a state-backed coalition of Shia militias. In 2016, it was officially incorporated into Iraq’s armed forces, ostensibly bringing these groups under unified state control.

“These attacks are a blatant violation of the UN Charter and International Law,” Sa’ar wrote, warning that they have the potential to further escalate tensions in the region. He emphasized that the strikes have targeted Israeli infrastructure, civilian areas, and military bases. “While some of the UAVs and missiles were intercepted, others made impact in Israeli territory,” Sa’ar noted, citing an Oct. 3 incident in which an explosive-laden drone hit an army base in northern Israel, killing two soldiers and injuring 24 others.

The armed groups, collectively referring to themselves as “The Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” are a coalition of pro-Iranian factions aligned with the broader resistance movement opposing foreign military presence, particularly that of the United States, its allies, and Israel. These groups are part of the larger Iranian-led Axis of Resistance, which also encompasses Hezbollah and other regional militias. The coalition has conducted multiple drone strikes targeting Israeli assets.

Sa’ar called on the Iraqi government to take immediate steps to prevent such attacks, asserting its responsibility under international law. “The Government of Iraq is responsible under international law to prevent the use of its territory as a base for attacks against other nations,” he said, urging Baghdad to act decisively to stop the strikes.

The Iraqi government, however, has sought to avoid direct involvement in regional conflicts, particularly those involving Israel. Despite the presence of Iran-backed militias within its borders, Iraq has maintained a policy of non-engagement in hostilities against Israel. On Nov. 11, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Iran has assured Iraq it will not use its territory to launch attacks on Israel.

In late-October, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized that only the state and its constitutional institutions have the authority to make decisions regarding war and peace, warning that any actions taken outside this framework will face legal consequences.

The foreign minister reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. “Israel has the inherent right to self-defense […] and to take all necessary measures to protect itself and its citizens,” he stated, indicating that Israel may respond if the attacks persist.

The letter also urged the Security Council to ensure Iraq complies with its obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 1546, which mandates the prevention of terrorist activity and arms trafficking through Iraqi territory.

“I urge the Security Council to take immediate action to address this situation,” Sa’ar concluded, requesting that the letter be distributed as an official document of the Security Council.

The escalation comes amid ongoing regional tensions following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which Sa’ar referenced as a turning point for increased hostility by Iranian-backed militias.