In recent days, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has increased its attacks against Israel, which have successfully infiltrated Israeli territory.
To date, the Islamic resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for 167 attacks on Israeli targets. This is regarding the period from November 2023 (the beginning of claiming responsibility) to September 25, 2024. UAVs carried out 75% of the attacks, according to their announcements. Of the 167 claims of responsibility, in 41 incidents (24%) the IDF reported it intercepted the threat. Some of the interceptions were carried out after infiltrating Israeli territory. In almost all cases, there was no indication of physical injury as a result of the attacks.
Until August 2024 (inclusive), the vast majority of the airstrikes from Iraq had not reached Israeli territory at all. Only 18% of all claims of responsibility were reported to have been intercepted by the IDF. In two cases, UAVs managed to strike a school in Eilat (November 9, 2023) and an IDF base (April 1, 2024).
Beginning in September 2024, there appears to be a new trend. The IDF intercepted aerial targets launched from Iraq 13 times, accounting for 72% of the 18 recorded attacks. Twelve of the attacks occurred during the last week alone (as of September 17). In the last 24 hours, the Islamic resistance in Iraq has successfully carried out two strikes on its targets: a building in the Arava area (September 25) and the port of Eilat.
The increase in the intensity of the airstrikes from Iraq comes at a time when the intensity of the confrontation with Hezbollah has increased and can be defined as a limited war. Hezbollah suffers severe blows in Lebanon. It’s plausible that the escalation of Iraqi attacks aims to provide Hezbollah with additional assistance and to exert Israel’s detection and warning systems. We won’t be surprised if there is a more significant Iranian guiding hand here.
Pay close attention to the sharp increase in September 2024, particularly in recent days, and the success rates in infiltrating Israeli territory.
