The anticipated announcement of a deal between the US and Saudi Arabia regarding the development of a civilian nuclear program has raised alarms in Israel. Critics argue that such an agreement could trigger a regional nuclear arms race and potentially pave the way for the development of nuclear weapons. The deal, first reported on Tuesday, may allow Saudi Arabia to independently enrich fuel for nuclear reactors. For many in Israel, this news came as a surprise, given that the country has its own, officially unconfirmed nuclear weapons program and nuclear research facilities.
Saudi Arabia has long sought access to American nuclear technology, but Israel had hoped that such a deal would only be feasible after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Former senior Israeli officials and analysts believe that, at best, it will undermine the prospects for normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. At worst, it could encourage other countries in the Middle East to pursue their own nuclear programs. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet commented on the situation.
Reaction of Israeli officials and opposition
At least one Israeli official has publicly criticized the backlash, suggesting that the country could accept the Saudi civilian nuclear program. “If they want this for peaceful purposes, for energy needs, we can handle it,” said Nir Barkat, Israel’s Minister of Economy, during a radio interview on Wednesday. He also noted that normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia “is still on the table” and expressed confidence that Netanyahu and President Trump “will not risk Israel’s security.”
Opposition leaders and critics have labeled the deal as dangerous for Israel and a sign of the country’s diminishing influence in Washington. “Every military nuclear program starts with a civilian one,” stated Avigdor Lieberman, who served as Minister of Defense from 2016-2018. He called for an appeal to the US Congress to oppose the deal, which he believes could spark a regional nuclear arms race.
Benny Gantz, who led Israel’s Ministry of Defense from 2020-2022, described the agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia as “a huge missed opportunity” and blamed the Netanyahu government. “Time and again, this extremist government misses opportunities to change the Middle East,” he wrote in a post on X.
The proposal to link the nuclear deal between the US and Saudi Arabia with the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia was discussed as early as the administration of Joe Biden. However, following the HAMAS attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza, which Saudi Arabia sharply criticized, the likelihood of such an agreement has diminished significantly.
Source: Wire News
