Expected U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Deal Fuels Israeli Concerns of Regional Arms Race

The United States is expected to sign a deal with Saudi Arabia to help it build a civilian nuclear energy program. The news surprised many people in Israel and sparked a major debate. Critics worry the deal could lead to a race among Middle Eastern countries to develop nuclear weapons.

The agreement could let Saudi Arabia enrich its own uranium, the fuel that powers nuclear reactors. This detail caught Israel off guard, since Israel has its own secret nuclear weapons program. Israel had hoped any nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia would first require the kingdom to open formal diplomatic ties with Israel.

Former Israeli defense officials and analysts expressed serious concern. Some said the deal would make it harder for Israel and Saudi Arabia to ever build a normal, peaceful relationship. Others warned it could encourage more countries in the region to pursue nuclear programs of their own.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not comment right away. But economy minister Nir Barkat tried to ease fears in a radio interview on Wednesday, saying Israel could accept a Saudi civilian nuclear program. 'If they want it for peaceful purposes, for energy needs, we can manage it,' he said.

Barkat also said that talks about normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia were 'still on the table.' He added that both Netanyahu and President Trump would protect Israel's safety. His calm tone stood in contrast to the strong warnings coming from opposition leaders.

Opposition politician Avigdor Liberman, a former defense minister, warned that all military nuclear programs begin as civilian ones. He called on Israel to pressure the U.S. Congress to oppose the deal. Another former defense minister, Benny Gantz, called it 'a huge missed opportunity' and blamed Netanyahu's government.

The idea of connecting a U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal to Israeli-Saudi peace talks had been discussed under President Biden. Those talks broke down after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's military response in Gaza. Saudi Arabia strongly criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, making a peace deal between the two countries much harder to achieve.