Israel monitoring efforts to disarm Iraqi pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias, concerned they may attack

The Iraqi government has given pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias until the end of September to disarm. Israeli defense officials are monitoring the situation, concerned the groups may attack Israel after the deadline. The militias have rejected the demand, agreeing to discuss disarmament only after a complete US troop withdrawal from Iraq.

The Iraqi government has issued an ultimatum to pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias, demanding they disarm by the end of September 2026. Israeli defense officials are closely monitoring the situation, concerned that the militias may seek to demonstrate their strength by launching attacks against Israel once the deadline expires. The militias, led by Kataib Hezbollah, have flatly rejected the disarmament demand but have signaled willingness to discuss the issue only after a complete withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. The United States played a central role in pushing the Iraqi government to issue the ultimatum, warning that the militias, like the Houthis, are undermining regional stability. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is working to preserve its strategic alliance with the militias, as well as with the Houthis and Hezbollah, as these groups provide Tehran with maneuvering room amid US pressure over the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy. Israeli intelligence faces challenges due to Iraq's vast geographic expanse, which complicates efforts to locate militia activity centers and weapons depots.