BAGHDAD ( Associated Press) – Iraqi lawmakers on Thursday passed a bill criminalizing the normalization of any ties with Israel, including ties and trade ties. The law states that the violation of the law is punishable with death sentence or life imprisonment.
In the 329-seat assembly, 275 MPs voted in favor of the legislation. A statement from Parliament said the law is “the true reflection of the will of the people.”
Influential Shia cleric Muktada al-Sadr, whose party won the most seats in Iraq’s parliamentary elections last year, called on Iraqis to take to the streets to celebrate the “great achievement”. Hundreds later gathered in central Baghdad and raised anti-Israel slogans.
It was unclear how the law would be implemented because Iraq has not recognized Israel since the country’s formation in 1948; There are no diplomatic relations between the two countries. The law also includes risks to companies operating in Iraq and has been found to be in violation of the bill.
The United States said it was deeply troubled by Iraqi law. State Department spokesman Ned said, “Besides jeopardizing freedom of expression and promoting an anti-Semitic climate, this law is in stark contrast to the progress Iraq’s neighbors have made by building bridges and normalizing relations with Israel.” By creating new opportunities for people across the region.” Price said in a statement.
Earlier this year, Iran fired a dozen ballistic missiles toward the Kurdish-run northern city of Erbil, saying it was targeting an Israeli intelligence base.
The house of Baz Karim, CEO of oil company Kar Group, was badly damaged in the attack. KAR has been accused in the past of quietly selling oil to Israel.
A report by the Iraqi parliament’s fact-finding committee said it found no evidence to support Iranian allegations of an Israeli spy base in Erbil.
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