nuclear-news

Israel will not agree to Saudi nuclear program: Netanyahu

Saudi Arabia has demanded US assistance for establishing a civilian nuclear program in exchange for normalization with Israel

The Cradle, News Desk AUG 20, 2023

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified on 20 August that Israel would not agree to any of its neighbors having a nuclear program.

“That was and remains Israel’s policy,” Netanyahu stated during a cabinet meeting.

The clarification came in response to an interview by Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, in which he suggested that Israel would be willing to accept a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia under certain conditions.

Saudi Arabia has stated that it demands US assistance in developing a civilian nuclear program as one of its conditions for normalizing relations with Israel. 

The Saudis are reportedly also asking for a defense pact with Washington and access to purchase more advanced US weapons. 

The White House has prioritized reaching a deal between its two closest allies in West Asia before the next presidential election. 

In an interview with the PBS TV network on 18 August, Dermer said that when it comes to a civil nuclear program in Saudi Arabia, “the devil is in the details.”

He further stated that because the Saudis are signatories to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, they can ask China or France for assistance in establishing a civilian nuclear program that includes uranium enrichment……………………………………….. more https://new.thecradle.co/articles/israel-will-not-agree-to-saudi-nuclear-program-netanyahu

August 22, 2023 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Israel, politics international, Saudi Arabia