Israel TV counts Grand Ayatollah as target, US denounces, praises revered cleric

The United States ambassador to Iraq, Alina Romanowski, has strongly condemned the inclusion of Shia spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on an apparent hit list aired by Israel’s Channel 14, expressing support for al-Sistani's role in promoting regional peace.

This reaction from Washington comes amid rising tensions and anger across the Middle East, particularly from Shia groups, following the broadcast, which featured al-Sistani’s image marked with crosshairs alongside other prominent figures such as Hezbollah's deputy chief Naim Qassem and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, according to an Al-Jazeera report.

Al-Sistani, a highly revered figure among Shia Muslims and an influential voice in Iraqi politics is based in Najaf, Iraq, and has rarely been seen in public. His influence is evident through his frequent statements that guide his followers on key political matters. One notable instance of his involvement in Iraqi affairs was in 2014 when he issued a decree calling for Iraqis to defend their country against ISIL (ISIS).

This call played a significant role in the formation of volunteer paramilitary groups, some of which have ties to Iran. These groups are now part of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition that has been launching drone attacks against Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The broadcast has sparked widespread outrage, with the Iraqi government condemning the depiction of al-Sistani on the Israeli program, warning that it could escalate violence in the region. The Iraqi presidency also urged the international community to act against what it described as incitement of hatred and reiterated Iraq's commitment to stopping the ongoing aggression against Palestine and Lebanon.

Al-Sistani’s office has also been critical of Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, labelling them as brutal and urging concerted efforts to protect the Lebanese people from further harm.