Israel premier support Kurdish independence vote in Iraq

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voices support for the formation of a Kurdish state in the lead-up to a planned independence referendum in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, which has sparked strong criticisms from the central government as well as Iraq’s neighbors.

In a Wednesday announcement, Netanyahu’s office said Israel supports the “legitimate efforts of the Kurdish people to attain a state of its own.”

The statement, however, noted that Tel Aviv opposes the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has long been fighting for autonomy in Turkey.

“Israel opposes the PKK and considers it a terrorist organization,” it said.

During a meeting with a delegation of 33 US Republican congressmen in mid-August, Netanyahu expressed interest in partitioning Iraq and establishing an independent Kurdish state in the country.

Netanyahu does not frequently speak publicly about the highly sensitive issue which also worries Turkey.

The last time Netanyahu addressed the issue publicly was in 2014 when he said in a speech that Israel should “support the Kurdish aspiration for independence.”

Israel has a longstanding relationship with the Kurds, whom it regards as one of the few non-Arab allies in the area.

A report published in the New Yorker magazine in 2004 said Israeli military and intelligence operatives were active in Kurdish areas and providing training for commando units.

According to the report, Israel has been expanding its presence in Kurdistan and encouraging Kurds, its allies in the region, to create an independent state.