Iraqi Prime Minister Condemns Israeli TV's Insult to Ayatollah Sistani

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expressed strong disapproval of an Israeli TV station's depiction of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani in a kill list, during a meeting with US Ambassador to Baghdad Alina Romanowski and Congressman Seth Moulton, a member of the US House Armed Services Committee.

Sudani emphasized that disrespecting religious figures is "an affront" to Muslims worldwide.

"During the meeting, Prime Minister al-Sudani emphasized that the Zionist entity has escalated its transgressions by disrespecting revered figures," his office posted on X following the meeting on Thursday.

He also condemned the targeting of civilians and the destruction of infrastructure in Lebanon and Gaza, urging the international community and UN agencies to intervene to "stop the war that threatens regional and global security and stability."

US Ambassador Romanowski responded on X, describing Ayatollah Sistani as "a renowned and respected religious leader in the international community" and rejecting any insinuation of targeting him.

Israeli Channel 14, known for its right-wing stance and ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aired the controversial image of religious leaders with crosshairs on their heads, implying potential targeting.

Although the channel does not represent official Israeli policy, Iraq has viewed the broadcast as a severe insult, given Ayatollah al-Sistani's significant religious influence.

Sheikh Khaled al-Mulla, head of Iraq's Islamic Scholars Association, condemned the threat against Ayatollah al-Sistani and other religious figures, calling it evidence that Israel is "waging a religious war against Muslims."

Iraqi government spokesman Basem al-Awadi also condemned the broadcast.

"After committing acts of genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza and Lebanon, the Zionist entity’s racist media is now attacking the supreme religious authority," Awadi said in a statement.

He warned that any attack on Ayatollah al-Sistani would provoke a strong response from resistance factions.

"The government of Iraq rejects any harm to the status of our religious authority, which is respected by Iraqis, the Arab and Islamic world, and the international community. Such actions pose a threat to global peace and security," Awadi stressed.

Awadi urged the United Nations and international organizations to condemn the broadcast and take action to prevent further incitement.

He also noted that while Iraq has worked to end violence, Israel's actions and the lack of international response have exacerbated the situation.