Iraq Condemns Israeli Media Threats Against Ayatollah Sistani
The Iraqi government has strongly condemned Israeli media for inciting calls to target Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, urging the international community to reject any actions that threaten globally respected figures. The criticism came in response to a broadcast by the right-wing Israeli channel "14," which listed Ayatollah Sistani as a potential assassination target.
Sistani's image appeared alongside other figures, including the leader of the Houthis, Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi; Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem; Hamas' Yahya Sinwar; the commander of Iran's Quds Force, Esmail Qaani; and Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. A "target" mark was placed on their heads without any explanation for including Sistani, sparking angry reactions in Iraq. The images were shown during a report on Israel's potential response to the recent Iranian missile attack.
Iraqi Government's Response
Government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi expressed Iraq's strong rejection of what he described as an insult against Sistani. He accused the Israeli media of attempting to tarnish the image of the revered Shia figurehead, framing it as part of a broader campaign of incitement and racism. Awadi stated that "after the Zionist entity has engaged in a war of genocide, committing blatant crimes against humanity, and publicly engaging in killing and aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, now its inciting and racist media is attempting, in a cheap way, to tarnish the image of the highest religious authority."
He further emphasized that the Iraqi government would not tolerate any attack on Sistani's status, which is highly regarded in Iraq, as well as by the Arab and Islamic worlds and the broader international community. The government warned that such actions could lead to increased aggression and pose a threat to international peace and security.
Awadi called on the United Nations and global institutions to reject and denounce any actions that harm the feelings of Muslims worldwide or target respected figures. He stressed that despite Iraq's efforts to de-escalate the conflict in the region, Israeli provocations only serve to exacerbate the situation and distract from what he described as clear violations and crimes committed by Israel.
Reaction from Iraqi Resistance Factions
The Israeli media's threats against Sistani have also sparked a strong reaction from Iraqi resistance factions, notably the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades. The group's spokesman, Kadhim Al-Fartousi, dismissed the Israeli threats as chaotic and psychological attempts to pressure Iraq internally. Fartousi asserted that the religious authority is not merely a red line but a sacred entity that stands above all calculations and names, warning that any attack on Sistani would lead to a long, unending war against Israel.