Israel reportedly established a covert military outpost in western Iraq shortly before the launch of the joint US-Israel military campaign against Iran earlier this year, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The report claims the hidden desert base served as a logistics and special operations hub for Israeli forces during the weeks-long air campaign against Iran. The alleged outpost was reportedly built with the knowledge of the United States and was strategically positioned to support rescue operations and military coordination closer to Iranian territory.
Secret Base Allegedly Used for Rescue and Air Operations
According to the report, the Israeli base housed special forces units and search-and-rescue teams prepared to respond if Israeli fighter jets were shot down during strikes inside Iran.
The report also stated that Israel offered assistance in locating downed US Air Force personnel after an American F-15 aircraft was reportedly shot down near Isfahan. Israeli rescue teams stationed in Iraq were allegedly ready to assist in emergency recovery missions.
While US forces reportedly handled the rescue operation directly, Israeli forces allegedly provided aerial support through targeted strikes to secure the surrounding area.
Iraqi Troops Nearly Discovered the Base
The covert facility was reportedly at risk of exposure in early March after a local shepherd noticed unusual helicopter activity in the remote desert region and alerted Iraqi authorities.
According to Iraqi state media reports referenced by the Wall Street Journal, Iraqi military personnel were sent to investigate the suspicious activity. However, sources cited in the report claimed Israeli airstrikes were launched to prevent Iraqi troops from approaching the site.
The Iraqi government publicly condemned the strike at the time, stating that one Iraqi soldier was killed during the incident.
Lt. Gen. Qais Al-Muhammadawi described the operation as “reckless” and said it occurred without Iraqi approval or coordination.
Iraq Previously Blamed the United States
In a complaint later submitted to the United Nations, Iraq attributed the attack to foreign forces and linked it to the United States. However, the Wall Street Journal report claimed Washington was not directly involved in that specific strike.
The US military has carried out several operations inside Iraq in recent years to protect American assets and personnel stationed in the region, particularly amid rising tensions involving Iran-backed groups.
Why the Iraq Base Was Strategically Important
Military analysts quoted in the report said western Iraq’s vast and sparsely populated desert terrain made it an ideal location for temporary covert operations.
The forward operating base reportedly enabled Israeli forces to reduce response times during emergency rescue missions and improve operational reach into Iranian territory during the conflict.
Israeli Air Force special units trained for missions behind enemy lines were also reportedly stationed at the base.
Israeli Officials Hint at Covert Missions
Although the Israel Defense Forces has not officially confirmed the existence of the Iraqi base, senior Israeli officials have hinted at secret operations during the war.
Former Israeli Air Force chief Tomer Bar wrote in a letter to service members earlier this year that special units were carrying out missions “which could ignite the imagination.”
Israel reportedly conducted thousands of airstrikes against Iranian military targets during the five-week conflict.
Regional Tensions Remain High
The revelations come amid continued instability in West Asia, where diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran are ongoing despite repeated military threats and regional confrontations.
Security experts warn that reports of covert military activity inside Iraq could further complicate regional relations and increase pressure on the Iraqi government, which has repeatedly objected to foreign military actions conducted on its territory without permission.
