Iraqi Kurdistan in the foreign policy of Israel: origin and modern developments

The study revealed the main characteristics of Israel's policy towards Iraqi Kurdistan. In particular, the research demonstrated that originally Israel's strategy for this part of Iraqi territory was limited to gaining tactical advantages in the face of confrontation with the Arab States. However, Israel gradually realized the importance of its relations with Iraqi Kurdistan. This was facilitated by people from the Kurdish lands in Israel, the growing threat of the Islamic State (illegal in Russia), and the build-up of trade and economic contacts (including the 2015 Oil Deal). Israel's relationship with Iraqi Kurdistan had undergone three stages throughout the entire period of Israel's existence: the establishment of mutually beneficial relations on the basis of the struggle against the Iraqi political regime (1963-1975); the strategic lull caused by the change in Iran's position in the region (1975/1979-1991); the restoration of relations with a focus on economic benefits rather than political expediency (since 1991).