Israel fears regional arms race after U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal

The United States has finalized an agreement with Saudi Arabia to establish a civilian nuclear program, a deal that includes US support for uranium enrichment on Saudi territory. The accord, signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi counterpart Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, aims to provide a framework for peaceful nuclear energy while allowing American influence over its direction.

This development has sparked significant apprehension in Israel and throughout the Middle East. The agreement's provision allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium mirrors the very capability the U.S. has sought to prevent Iran from acquiring, citing concerns over potential nuclear weapons development. International Atomic Energy Agency reports have previously indicated Iran's lack of cooperation with inspectors, a factor cited in past U.S. and Israeli actions.

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When countries decide to have a peaceful, civilian nuclear energy program, we prefer that they do it with us, instead of with any other country. It allows us to have influence over the direction it goes.

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has strongly criticized the deal, warning that allowing enrichment on Saudi soil crosses a critical threshold. He believes the agreement will ignite a "mad arms race" across the region and is urging Israeli politicians to lobby the U.S. Congress to block the accord. The U.S. State Department, through Secretary Marco Rubio, stated that the preference is for countries to pursue peaceful nuclear energy programs with the U.S., enabling oversight.

The U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation has been a subject of discussion for years, spanning previous administrations. During the Biden administration, such cooperation was part of a broader package that included Saudi recognition of Israel. However, those talks stalled after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent outbreak of war. The current agreement was reached without Saudi commitment to peace with Israel, further fueling Israeli political opposition.

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All military nuclear energy programs start as civilian programs. The agreement to allow enrichment on Saudi soil crosses a line. It will trigger a mad arms race in the entire Middle East.