Iraqi media shocked by reports of secret Israeli base as Baghdad hit critical juncture- analysis

The Jerusalem Post's analysis delves into the significant stir caused within Iraqi media by reports of a covert Israeli base operating on Iraqi soil during the recent war with Iran. This news surfaces at a particularly delicate moment for Iraq, as the nation is in the process of forming a new government under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

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the US “blocked an investigation into the Israeli base.”

The presence of a foreign military installation, especially one linked to Israel – a country with which Iraq has historically adversarial relations – is deeply embarrassing for the new leadership. This is compounded by ongoing US pressure on Baghdad to disarm Iran-backed militias, many of which are hostile to both the US and Israel. The reports of a secret Israeli base could be interpreted by these militias as evidence of US-Israeli collaboration, potentially exacerbating internal tensions and complicating the government's efforts to assert sovereignty.

Iraqi media outlets are actively reporting on the matter, with some, like Shafaq News, claiming the US "blocked an investigation into the Israeli base." Baghdad Today quoted Lieutenant General Saad Maan denying the presence of unlicensed forces. However, other reports, such as from +964, recall a March incident where Iraqi forces investigating suspicious activity in the desert were met with "air fire" from an uncoordinated force, resulting in casualties.

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the head of the Security Media Cell at the Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, denied on Sunday (May 10, 2026) reports of the presence of any unlicensed forces or military equipment in the deserts of Karbala and Najaf, following extensive search operations that included the region and other areas in Iraq.

From an Iraqi perspective, this story is fraught with implications. It touches upon national sovereignty, the complex relationship with the United States, the influence of Iran-backed militias, and the lingering specter of foreign military intervention. While international coverage might focus on the geopolitical implications for the Iran conflict, for Iraq, it's a deeply internal issue that could destabilize its fragile political landscape and challenge its ability to govern.

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on March 5, 2026, the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Qais al-Muhammadawi, revealed that one member of the security forces was killed and two others were wounded while investigating suspicious activity in the Najaf desert on the borders of Karbala, by air fire. He pointed out that the force that arrived at the location did not coordinate with Iraq, and a protest note was submitted to the international coalition requesting clarification. He emphasized that ‘the force was reinforced with two counter-terrorism regiments to search the area and investigate the location, but they did not find anything.’