Israel set up a clandestine military outpost in the Iraqi desert to support its air campaign against Iran and launched airstrikes against Iraqi troops who almost discovered it early in the war. Israel built the installation, which housed special forces and served as a logistical hub for the Israeli air force, just before the war started with the knowledge of the U.S.. The Israeli base was almost discovered in early March 2026. Iraqi state media said a local shepherd reported unusual military activity in the area, including helicopter flights, and the Iraqi military sent troops to investigate. Israel kept them at bay with airstrikes, one of the people familiar with the matter said.,,,

The western desert region of Iraq is vast and sparsely populated, making it an ideal location for temporary outposts…. U.S. Special Forces made use of this area in Iraq as part of operations against Saddam Hussein in 1991 and 2003.

Excerpt from Anat Peled et al., Israel Built and Defended a Secret Iran War Base in Iraq, WSJ, May 9, 2026