US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Raises Concerns in Israel

The agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, which would allow the kingdom to build nuclear reactors using US technology and enrich uranium, has raised concerns in Israel over its potential security implications and the risk of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

The proposed agreement, which still requires approval by the US Congress, is intended to enable Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's defense and foreign ministers have not yet commented publicly.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the agreement as a serious strategic mistake that, in his view, threatens Israel's security. He warned that allowing uranium enrichment on Saudi soil could trigger a regional nuclear arms race and create a dangerous loss of control.

Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman voiced similar concerns, arguing that Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program would ultimately lead to the development of nuclear weapons and fuel a broader regional arms buildup. He said Israel should oppose the agreement and urge Congress to reject it.

Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz also warned that establishing a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia, without integrating it into a broader regional alliance of moderate states, would not strengthen Israel's security.

(Reuters, bak)