Report: Iranian-backed militias in Iraq halt attacks on Israel

Author: Published: December 23, 2024

A leader of one of the armed militias confirmed that they have reached an agreement with the Iraqi Prime Minister to stop attacking Israel and to remain quiet on the developments in Syria.

Israel National News

Israel National News

 

Shia militants in Iraq

Shia militants in IraqReuters

The Lebanese al-Akhbar network reported on Monday that it had received confirmation from a leader in the Al-Nujaba militia in Iraq that the Iranian-backed militias in the country have agreed to stop their offensive against Israel.

According to the report, the “resistance factions” have reached an agreement with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani to cease attacks on Israel and remain silent on the current developments in Syria.

The militia leader told al-Akhbar that the militias decided not to interfere in Syrian affairs and “to follow the situation from a distance, in addition to waiting to know the orientations of the US President-elect, Donald Trump, and his policy towards the Middle East, specifically Iran.”

The leader noted that the militias’ Iranian backers granted them the freedom to decide regarding Syria.

He pointed out that “the armed factions adhered to the words of the Iraqi government, especially after what happened in Syria, which says that there may be an intention to drag the country into a scenario worse than the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which may lead to the return of terrorism to Iraq again.”

The report also quoted a spokesman for the Sayyed al-Shuhada Brigades militia, Kazem al-Fartousi, who said that the militias’ attacks on Israel were “linked to the operations of the Lebanese Hezbollah. When the ceasefire was reached in Lebanon, the operations of the Iraqi factions stopped.” He added, “There are also partners in Iraq who have an opinion and reservations about those operations, and they must be listened to.”

While not as vocal as other parties such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, or Iran itself, the Iraqi militias have been behind several drone and missile attacks on Israel since the war began. In September, the militias launched two drones at the city of Eilat. One of the UAVs was intercepted outside of Israeli airspace and the other struck a building in the city. Fires broke out in the city’s port and near the Herod’s Hotel as a result of falling shrapnel and two individuals were lightly wounded.

Israel considers Egypt travel warning amid fears of Iranian attacks ahead of Hanukkah – report

Author: Published: December 22, 2024

According to a Sunday morning Kan Radio report, Israeli officials have urged Egypt to bolster its security forces to counter these threats.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israeli and Egyptian flags flutter at the Nitzana Crossing. January 30, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/ALEXANDRE MENEGHINI)
Israeli and Egyptian flags flutter at the Nitzana Crossing. January 30, 2024.
(photo credit: REUTERS/ALEXANDRE MENEGHINI)
Israel’s security establishment is weighing the issuance of a travel warning for Egypt ahead of Hanukkah due to intelligence indicating potential Iranian-directed terrorist attacks against Israelis.

According to a Sunday morning Kan Radio report, Israeli officials have urged Egypt to bolster its security forces to counter these threats.

NSC changes threat levels for Armenia, Maldives, and Brazil

On December 5, The National Security Council (NSC) changed its designated threat levels for traveling to Armenia, the Maldives, and Brazil.

For Armenia, the travel alert was increased from level two (potential threat) to level three (moderate threat level) due to the “heightened terrorist threat” against Israelis and Jews in the country.

Waving national colorful flag of Israel and national flag of Egypt (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)Enlrage image
Waving national colorful flag of Israel and national flag of Egypt (credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

For the Maldives, the travel alert has also been increased from level two to level three due to the presence of “terror sympathizers” and increased “hostility” towards Israelis and Jews on the island.

For Brazil, the travel warning has been decreased from level two to level one (no threat level) except for the area on the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Senior government official: The hostage deal is partial – unclear if it will continue

Author: Published: December 22, 2024

A senior political official sent messages to the families of hostages who are not expected to be included in the first round of the deal saying there is no guarantee that it will continue to the next round.

 

Rally for the hostages

Rally for the hostagesAvshalom Sassoni/Flash90

A senior political official in the government, who is not close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has sent messages in recent days to the families of hostages who are not expected to be included in the first round of the hostage deal with Hamas, Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Sunday.

In the messages, the official noted that “the coming days are critical in their impact on your loved ones’ fate.” According to the messages, there are indications of only one partial deal that would not include any express commitment or clear mechanism for how to reach the next stages of the deal and free more hostages.

The messages also included a clarification that a deal is not very close and it is very possible that it would not come to fruition before President Trump’s inauguration.

“If there is any chance of changing the deal to one where everyone is released, it is only up to you and if you make a lot of noise. And if not now, the issue of your loved ones could get stuck for another long time,” the official told the families.

According to the report, as part of the deal that is currently on the table, there is an agreement that of the 50 hostages that are known to be alive, women (including female soldiers), children, and men over 50 will be released.

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