U.S. REPORTEDLY LIFTS RESTRICTIONS ON ISRAELI AIRCRAFT OPERATING IN IRAQI AIRSPACE
Following the reported withdrawal of U.S. forces and military equipment from Iraq, the United States has reportedly lifted operational restrictions on Israeli aircraft operating in Iraqi airspace, potentially giving Israel greater freedom to conduct operations against Iran-aligned militias based in Iraq.
According to regional media reports cited by Ground News, the development follows the reported conclusion of the U.S. military campaign against ISIS in Iraq and the subsequent withdrawal of American personnel and equipment from Iraqi territory.
The reports suggest the change could provide greater flexibility for Washington and Jerusalem to establish new arrangements regarding the use of Iraqi airspace.
If confirmed, the development could also expand the operational options available to the Israeli Air Force and intelligence agencies, including Mossad, for potential strikes or covert operations targeting Iran-aligned armed groups operating inside Iraq.
Israel has increasingly portrayed its regional military campaign as part of a broader effort to weaken Iran and its network of allied armed groups. Israel has claimed major battlefield successes against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while the Houthi threat from Yemen has also been significantly weakened.
Attention could now increasingly shift toward Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq.
Israel’s ability to conduct long-range operations has been heavily supported by its advanced intelligence capabilities, airpower, missile-defense systems and close military cooperation with the United States.
The key question is: What would Israel’s regional position look like today if it did not possess one of the world’s most capable intelligence services and air forces?