Middle East Denuclearization Proposed as Solution to Current Crisis

The article argues that reviving the old demand for denuclearizing the Middle East could resolve the current regional crisis. It suggests that U.S. President Donald Trump could pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into such a radical move if it served his interests. The author posits that this approach would genuinely prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and that Israel itself does not need nuclear arms, citing historical evidence that nuclear deterrence in the region is largely a myth.

Historical examples are presented to support the claim that nuclear weapons have not deterred adversaries like Palestinians, Hezbollah, or Iran, and that their possession by Israel might even motivate enemy states to develop their own. The article also references former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben-Ami, who argued in an extensive article that the collapse of 'Begin's doctrine' necessitates a revision of Israel's nuclear strategy, advocating for diplomacy and arms control to achieve a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.

The piece further delves into the immense economic costs associated with nuclear weapons, citing historical instances where Israel's pursuit of nuclear capability strained its economy. It also touches upon the controversial early assistance from West Germany, including financial aid and the transfer of nuclear scientists, some of whom had Nazi ties, to Israel's Dimona project.

Additionally, the article questions the necessity of the atomic bombings of Japan, citing American and Japanese documents suggesting Japan was ready to surrender and that key military figures opposed the bombings. It concludes by highlighting a call from retired journalist Yaron London for a discussion on Israel's nuclear policy, suggesting that a U.S. declaration of denuclearization could ease negotiations with Iran and other regional issues, urging prominent Israelis to break the taboo on this subject.