Israeli critics warn US-Saudi nuclear deal could trigger regional arms race
Israeli opposition figures have criticised a new US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement, warning it could spur a regional arms race. The deal, signed by US and Saudi officials, will now go to Congress for review.
JERUSALEM: A new US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement has prompted concern among Israeli political figures, who say allowing Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear reactors with American technology and enrich uranium could heighten the risk of a wider arms competition in the Middle East.
The agreement, announced on Wednesday, is intended to support what has been described as a civilian nuclear programme in the kingdom. It still requires approval from the US Congress. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Israel’s defence and foreign ministers, had not publicly commented on the deal.
Critics in Israel said the arrangement could damage the country’s long-term security interests. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, who is seeking to defeat Netanyahu in the October 27 election, said the agreement was being assembled without regard to Israel’s concerns.
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