The United States and Saudi Arabia announced an agreement on Wednesday to cooperate on a civilian nuclear program. Under the terms of the deal, Saudi Arabia would be permitted to build nuclear reactors using American technology and engage in uranium enrichment on its own soil. The agreement must now go before the U.S. Congress for final approval.
Several Israeli political figures expressed concern that the deal could trigger a regional nuclear arms race. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett characterized the agreement as a strategic failure that could lead to a loss of control in the Middle East. Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that a civilian program could eventually transition into weapons development and urged the Israeli government to lobby the U.S. Congress against the measure.
The current Israeli administration, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ministers of defense and foreign affairs, has not yet released an official statement regarding the announcement. Former defense chief Benny Gantz noted that the introduction of nuclear capabilities should be integrated into broader regional alliances rather than advancing as a standalone agreement.
Discussions regarding a U.S.-Saudi nuclear partnership have been ongoing for several years, spanning both the Trump and Biden administrations. Nonproliferation advocates have previously warned that such a deal might provide a pathway for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons, while Israeli officials had expressed interest in linking nuclear cooperation to a formal normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.