Former Israeli PM Bennett Condemns US-Saudi Nuclear Deal as Strategic Failure

Former Israeli Prime Minister and "Yahad" party leader Naftali Bennett sharply criticized the emerging nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, which permits Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program and potentially enrich uranium. Bennett condemned the deal on Wednesday, calling it part of a series of diplomatic failures that diminish Israel's influence over its own fate. "Israel is not around the table, but on the table," he wrote, emphasizing that the current Israeli government is incapable of safeguarding national security.

Bennett warned that uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia could trigger a regional nuclear arms race and lead to dangerous loss of control. He stressed the unpredictability of the Middle East's future and advocated for fewer centrifuges in the region, not more. He also criticized recent developments where Israel was excluded from key negotiations, citing the Gaza ceasefire influenced by Hamas, Qatar, and Turkey, and the ongoing Iran talks conducted without Israeli involvement.

Highlighting his own tenure as prime minister, Bennett claimed his government prevented damage to Israel's security and maintained its qualitative military edge. He lamented that under the outgoing government, Israel is excluded from decision-making rooms and is not counted as a key player. Bennett pledged that if his party returns to power, it will reverse these trends by launching a diplomatic offensive to restore Israel's regional and global standing, establish a moderate regional alliance led by Israel, and revive economic, technological, and strategic growth.

The report comes after US President Donald Trump officially approved the nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The agreement grants Saudi Arabia a civilian nuclear program and the option to enrich uranium, raising concerns about sparking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.