Some 300 local Iraqi leaders called on Friday to normalize ties with Israel and repeal the law that prohibits civilian ties between Iraqis and Israelis.
Speaking at the city of Arbil, the capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan region that enjoys partial autonomy, prominent Sunni and Shi'ite figures called for Iraq to become the latest Muslim-majority country to join the Abraham Accords and establish diplomatic relations with Jerusalem.
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said that the event "inspires hope for places we have not thought of before."
"We and Iraq share a common history and roots in the Jewish community, and whenever someone reaches out to us, we will do everything to reach back," he added.