nuclear-news

Israeli Minister says US should deny Saudi Arabia nuclear reactor

National Infrastructure, Energy, and Water Minister Israel Katz says Israel is opposed to uranium enrichment facility for the Saudis in exchange for normalization – a civilian nuclear program would be cover for producing a nuclear bomb.

National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Minister Israel Katz said Monday that the United States might acquiesce to Saudi Arabia’s demand to establish a uranium enrichment facility on its territory as part of a normalization deal with Israel.

Speaking to Ynet, Katz said that “as a matter of fact, Israel does not encourage such things. I don’t think Israel should agree to such a thing, but there are ongoing talks on that matter.” However, he noted that “normalization with Saudi Arabia is important, and I hope there will also be a peace agreement.”

The New York Times reported in March that the approval and establishment of a civilian nuclear program are among the requirements Riyadh set for the anticipated normalization deal, but official elements in Saudi Arabia and the United States did not confirm it.

However, Israel’s concern is that Saudi Arabia, or one of its other neighbors in the Middle East, would use a civilian nuclear program as the cover for producing a nuclear bomb.

Another demand by Riyadh is an arms deal that would provide Saudi Arabia with the most advanced weapons available in the American weapons arsenal, everything that former President Donald Trump promised to Mohamed bin Zayed, the de facto ruler of the Emirates, and much more, as F-35 fighter jets and bunker busters are part of the deal…………………………….

Jerusalem believes that United States’ move toward an agreement with Iran is the main reason for the Israeli leadership to press hard on preparations for a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. In other words, the latest military exercise simulating a multi-front war, including an attack on Iran, is considered an unprecedented exercise in terms of forces and involvement of state officials.

“Our policy is clear – we will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons,” Katz said. He noted that the operation is an “intensive two-week exercise lead by the IDF, in which all systems are realistically trained for multi-front combat, including Iran and all its proxies and affiliated organizations.”………………………….. more https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bksbp4jl3

June 7, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Israel, politics international