Israel Warns US-Saudi Nuclear Deal Crosses Red Line, Risks Regional Arms Race

Israeli officials have expressed significant concern over the impending US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement expected to be signed on July 26, 2023. The primary worry centers on the US intention to allow uranium enrichment on Saudi soil, which Israeli sources describe as a "blazing red line" and a serious security threat. A senior Israeli official familiar with the negotiations told Channel 12 that a civilian enrichment facility essentially serves as a "training ground for nuclear weapons development," emphasizing the danger this poses to Israel's security.

The Israeli defense establishment has repeatedly warned in numerous discussions, including recent ones, that such a move could trigger a nuclear arms race across the Middle East. Countries like Turkey, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates might be encouraged to pursue uranium enrichment programs following Saudi Arabia's lead. While Israel does not fundamentally oppose a civilian nuclear program for Saudi Arabia, it had hoped the deal would be linked to broader normalization efforts between the two countries, which the US decision apparently does not include.

The agreement, reportedly worth tens of billions of dollars and valid for 30 years, is set to be signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and his Saudi counterpart. It includes provisions for American companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia, operating under strict "black box" supervision, contingent on joint research within two years justifying the step.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the government over the deal, calling it a "severe strategic failure" that risks a dangerous loss of control and could spark a regional nuclear arms race. Israeli officials are now awaiting the final text of the agreement to assess its implications and whether US assurances adequately protect Israeli interests.