Israelis Fear Saudi Nuclear Deal Could Ignite Mideast Arms Race

A deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to build nuclear reactors using American technology and to enrich uranium, has fuelled fears in Israel of the start of an arms race in the Middle East.

The agreement, announced on Wednesday and still requiring Congressional approval, is intended to allow the Saudis to develop a civilian nuclear program.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned that nuclear enrichment on Saudi soil could lead to a regional nuclear race. Former defence minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that the civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia will end in nuclear weapons and will lead to a crazy arms race throughout the entire Middle East. He added that Israel, widely believed to have the region's only nuclear arsenal, must oppose the deal and lobby Congress to stop it.

Benny Gantz, a former defence chief, commented that no security official would say that introducing civilian nuclear capability into Saudi Arabia without integrating the move as part of building a moderate regional alliance is a step that is good for Israel's security.