DUBAI, UAE - Israel is reportedly formulating plans to counter an escalating threat from its eastern front, Iraq, following intensified attacks by pro-Iran Iraqi armed factions over the past two months. The developments come as Israel continues operations on its southern and northern fronts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stressed that “Israel will not tolerate any threat directed at it and will respond to any party, wherever they may be, which attempts to undermine its security.”

Israeli newspaper Maariv reported Monday that the Netanyahu government is preparing strategies to address potential escalations from Iraq. These plans, the newspaper said, could mirror Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, starting with strikes on infrastructure and facilities, followed by targeted assassinations of key figures in Iranian-aligned groups operating in Iraq.

Citing Israeli and US intelligence officials, Maariv reported concerns that Iran could increase its reliance on Iraqi proxies in retaliation for Israeli military actions in Lebanon and Gaza. Intelligence sources also warned that Iran may have already smuggled short-range ballistic missiles into Iraq as a countermeasure to Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.

The intensification of attacks by Iraqi factions, which claim to act in support of Gaza and Lebanon, has sparked fears of dragging Iraq further into the broader Middle East conflict.

According to official data, over 90 attacks were launched from Iraq toward Israel in October, with 60 more recorded so far this month. The Iraqi factions claim the attacks have targeted positions in the annexed Golan Heights and other Israeli territories, causing casualties and material damage.

The escalating situation raises concerns about broader regional implications as tensions continue to flare on multiple fronts.

Subhan Mulla Jiyad, political advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, told The New Region on Saturday that the concerns of a potential Israeli attack on Iraq are based solely on speculations of international reports and news outlets, stressing that “there is no real information” regarding such an attack.