Muqtada al-Sadr attacks media figure Taih al-Tamimi over Israel remarks

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr issued a sharp statement against media figure Gaiyth al-Tamimi following remarks praising Israel, calling for Tamimi's continued appearances on Iraqi channels to be stopped. In his statement, Sadr described Tamimi's position as unacceptable and said it created a problematic image in the eyes of the Iraqi public. Al-Sadr, who remains one of the most closely watched political figures in Iraq, framed his criticism as a defense of public sentiment toward the Palestinian cause. The backlash highlights the sensitivity surrounding statements about Israel in Iraqi political and media circles, where such remarks often provoke swift reaction from political and religious leaders. No further details on potential formal measures against Tamimi or the channels carrying his appearances were immediately available. The exchange comes amid ongoing debate in Iraq over the boundaries of acceptable political and media discourse on foreign policy issues.