Washington – In a sensational journalistic expose shedding light on the operational complexities of the “Five-Week War,” The Wall Street Journal, quoting US officials and informed sources, detailed Israel’s establishment of a secret military site in the heart of Iraq’s Western Desert. This facility was not merely a foothold; it served as the “Logistical Lifeline” that allowed the Israeli Air Force to sustain thousands of sorties against targets deep inside Iran, overcoming the 1,000-mile distance from home bases.
Securing the “Eagles” and Search and Rescue Units
The base was constructed prior to the conflict with prior US knowledge, housing special forces and “Combat Search and Rescue” (CSAR) teams. The strategic goal was to minimize response time in the event of an Israeli aircraft being downed over Iranian territory. Although no Israeli jets were lost, readiness was at its peak—to the extent that Israel offered assistance when a US F-15 crashed near Isfahan in April.
The “Shepherd” Incident and the Clash with Iraqi Forces
The secret installation was nearly compromised in early March when a local shepherd reported suspicious military activity. When an Iraqi Army force moved to scout the location, it was met with a violent Israeli response; airstrikes were conducted to deter the Iraqi troops, resulting in the death of one Iraqi soldier and the injury of two others. Lt. Gen. Qais al-Muhammadawi, Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, condemned the attack as a “Reckless Operation.” While Baghdad filed an official UN complaint against Washington, sources confirmed to the WSJ that Israel acted alone to protect its secret at any cost.
Why the Iraqi Western Desert?
Security experts believe that Iraq’s vast geography makes it an ideal location for what is known as “Temporary Forward Operating Sites.” It appears Israel replicated the US tactics of 1991 and 2003 to bring its capabilities closer to the Iranian theater. This is supported by hints from former Israeli Air Force Commander Tomer Bar, who told his troops that they were executing “missions that spark the imagination,” a clear nod to the clandestine operations that turned Iraqi soil into a silent platform for a regional conflict.
