Iraqi Shiite Activist Survives Assassination Attempts, Calls for Peace with Israel

Rait al-Tamimi, an Iraqi Shiite activist who lived for years in Baghdad and met influential figures such as former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and associates of Hassan Nasrallah, now openly advocates for normalization and peace with Israel. In a rare interview with N12, al-Tamimi condemned the October 7 massacre and revealed he survived five assassination attempts due to his views. He described being imprisoned under Saddam Hussein and during the U.S. occupation, and living among various militant and ideological groups before forming his own perspective.

Al-Tamimi emphasized the historic bond between Iraqi Jews and their homeland, noting that Jews were trusted and respected members of Iraqi society. He argued that peace agreements like the Abraham Accords require a Baghdad that embraces coexistence. He believes normalization between Iraq and Israel is easier than other peace deals, citing the Iraqi constitution’s provision to restore citizenship to Iraqi Jews, approximately 450,000 of whom live in Israel and worldwide.

Despite the presence of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Tehran’s influence, al-Tamimi insists that the brutal violence exposed on October 7, comparable to ISIS atrocities against minorities in Iraq, proves that hatred persists but peace remains worth fighting for. He described Israel as a strong regional power fighting multiple fronts, some linked to Iraq, and likened Israel’s struggle to Iraq’s own fight against terror.

Facing severe backlash, including threats and denunciations from prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr who labeled him an "enemy agent" and called for his rejection, al-Tamimi refuses to be silenced. He criticized al-Sadr for inciting violence against him instead of pursuing legal action under Iraqi laws banning normalization with Israel. Al-Tamimi recounted surviving a recent assassination attempt near Iraqi intelligence headquarters in Baghdad.

Regarding recent missile launches from Iraq, al-Tamimi acknowledged the presence of Revolutionary Guard, Hezbollah, and Houthi cells operating in Iraq against Israel, though he noted ongoing struggles between these groups and the Iraqi government. Ultimately, al-Tamimi envisions Iraq choosing a future of peace and regional partnership with Israel over continued alignment with the "axis of evil," emphasizing his commitment to pluralism and rule of law.