BAGHDAD

The Iraqi government condemned Israeli media Wednesday for placing Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the top religious authority for Shia Muslims in Iraq, on a target list, saying the act threatens international peace and security.

Israel’s Channel 14 broadcast an image of Sistani, claiming that he was on Israel’s target list.

In a statement, Iraqi government spokesman Basim Al-Awadi strongly condemned any violation of the revered status of the country’s top religious authority.

He said the government rejects any attempt to undermine the highly respected cleric, who holds a revered position not only among Iraqis but also within the Arab, Islamic and international communities.

Al-Awadi further criticized the Israeli media’s actions as part of a broader effort to discredit religious figures, especially in the context of ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

He described the media's portrayal as a deliberate and provocative attempt to tarnish the image of the religious authority.

Al-Awadi also called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and international bodies to condemn this act.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul