Foreign Relations - Israel
Iraq has historically taken a staunchly anti-Israel stance in its foreign policy, largely in support of the Palestinian cause and opposition to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. This position has shaped Iraq's policy toward any conflicts involving Israel, particularly wars between Israel and its neighbors or with Palestinian groups. Iraq does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel and continues to reject normalization efforts with the Israeli state.
Iraq has never recognized Israel as a legitimate state and has consistently supported the Palestinian cause. This policy is in line with most Arab nations historically, although some countries, like Egypt and Jordan, have made peace with Israel. Iraq, however, remains opposed to any normalization of relations with Israel. Unlike some Gulf states that have moved toward normalization with Israel (e.g., through the Abraham Accords brokered by the U.S. in 2020), Iraq has explicitly rejected these moves. In 2021, Iraq’s parliament even passed a law criminalizing any form of normalization with Israel, with penalties for those who engage in business or political relationships with Israel.
Iraq has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and has consistently condemned Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially during conflicts such as the Gaza wars or the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During major escalations between Israel and Palestinian groups, such as Hamas or other resistance movements, Iraq has expressed solidarity with the Palestinians. This has included condemning Israeli military operations and calling for international intervention to stop what it sees as Israeli aggression.
Iraq sees itself as part of the Arab and Islamic solidarity with the Palestinian people and the wider cause of resisting Israeli occupation. This has been a consistent theme in its foreign policy, particularly when it comes to wars between Israel and its Arab neighbors or Israel’s conflicts with groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iraq's position aligns with that of other countries in the region that oppose Israeli policies, particularly countries like Syria and Iran, with whom Iraq has strategic relationships. Iraq’s government, especially after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, has been influenced by political groups with strong ties to Iran, which has shaped its continued hardline stance on Israel.
During periods of intense violence between Israel and Palestinian factions, Iraq has typically responded with strong condemnations of Israel’s military actions. The country has also supported calls for international bodies, such as the United Nations, to intervene and stop Israeli airstrikes or ground operations. For example, during the 2021 Gaza-Israel conflict, Iraq was among the countries that called for immediate ceasefires and provided diplomatic support for Palestinian leaders. Public demonstrations in support of Palestine are also common in Iraq during such conflicts.
Iraq is skeptical of U.S.-led peace efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly because of Washington's strong support for Israel. Iraq's political leaders have expressed concern that U.S. involvement favors Israel and does not address Palestinian demands for statehood, the right of return for refugees, or the status of Jerusalem. Iraq has often aligned itself with international efforts that promote Palestinian sovereignty and independence, typically supporting Arab League and United Nations resolutions that criticize Israel’s policies.
Historically, Iraq participated militarily in wars against Israel. During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the 1967 Six-Day War, Iraq contributed troops and military resources to the Arab coalition fighting Israel. Although Iraq’s direct involvement in wars against Israel has waned in recent decades, the country’s rhetorical support for resistance against Israel remains strong. Iraq's political and militia groups have also expressed solidarity with Hezbollah in Lebanon and other anti-Israel groups, seeing them as part of the broader resistance to Israeli expansionism and occupation.
Iraq’s internal political landscape plays a significant role in its stance toward Israel. Various political factions in Iraq, including Shia militias linked to Iran, are vehemently anti-Israel. These groups have a significant influence on Iraq’s foreign policy, particularly on issues related to Israel and Palestine. Additionally, Iraq’s influential clerical leaders, such as Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, have spoken in support of Palestinian rights, reinforcing the country’s strong anti-Israel position.
In May 2022, Iraq’s parliament passed a law that makes it a crime to normalize relations with Israel. The law imposes severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, on any Iraqis who engage in diplomatic, political, economic, or cultural ties with Israel. This law was passed with overwhelming support and reflects the deeply entrenched opposition to Israel in Iraqi society and politics.
Iraq’s policy toward Israel is marked by its historical opposition to the existence of the Israeli state, strong support for the Palestinian cause, and rejection of any form of normalization with Israel. Iraq consistently condemns Israeli actions in conflicts, stands with Palestinian resistance, and rejects U.S.-led peace initiatives that it believes favor Israel. With the passage of laws criminalizing normalization, Iraq remains firmly aligned with countries and groups that resist Israeli policies in the region.
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