Former Israeli National Security Chief Warns Against US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Risks

Meir Ben Shabbat, former head of Israel's National Security Council, criticized the reported US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement approved by the Trump administration. He warned that the deal, which could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on its soil, poses significant strategic risks and threatens regional stability in the Middle East. Ben Shabbat expressed concern that the agreement might trigger a nuclear arms race across the region.

He emphasized that even if the deal facilitates political progress such as normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the security risks outweigh the benefits. "Normalization cannot sweeten this bitter pill," he stated, rejecting the notion that diplomatic gains justify the potential dangers.

The reported 30-year agreement would permit American companies to assist Saudi Arabia in developing its civilian nuclear program, including uranium enrichment facilities subject to joint inspections. However, the deal reportedly lacks stringent safeguards found in previous US agreements, such as Saudi commitments to forgo uranium enrichment or reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, raising proliferation concerns.

The move has drawn criticism from US lawmakers and nonproliferation experts, who fear it could escalate tensions, especially given Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's prior statements about pursuing nuclear capabilities if Iran acquires nuclear weapons. The agreement is still pending formal announcement and congressional review.

Washington had long linked the nuclear deal to broader regional initiatives, including normalization with Israel, but recent reports indicate the nuclear agreement is being advanced independently. This context underpins Ben Shabbat's stance that even significant diplomatic breakthroughs do not justify the security risks involved.