Israel quietly established at least two covert military bases in the western Iraqi desert, with preparations reportedly beginning in late 2024, well before the June 2025 conflict with Iran known as Operation Rising Lion. The bases allegedly shortened flight distances for Israeli air operations against Iranian targets while providing ground-level logistical support far closer to the theater of operations.
Iraq’s government has formally denied the existence of any such installations. But privately, Iraqi officials have reportedly acknowledged encountering foreign forces operating within their borders.
What the bases allegedly provided
The two sites in western Iraq reportedly functioned as full-scale logistical hubs, allegedly housing refueling capabilities, medical treatment facilities, surveillance equipment, and special forces units.
At least one of the two bases was reportedly operational during the June 2025 strikes. The second site’s status during active operations remains less clear, but both were part of a planning effort that stretches back months before hostilities broke out.
