**Title: Israelis Fear Saudi Nuclear Deal Could Ignite Mideast Arms Race**
A recently announced agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, which would allow the kingdom to construct nuclear reactors using American technology and enrich uranium, has raised significant concerns in Israel regarding the potential for a regional arms race. The deal, aimed at facilitating the development of a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia, is still pending Congressional approval.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his defense and foreign ministers, has not yet publicly addressed the implications of the agreement. However, critics within Israel have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the deal poses a threat to the nation's long-term security interests.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, currently campaigning to unseat Netanyahu in the upcoming October 27 election, expressed alarm over the agreement. He described it as a "serious strategic failure" that could jeopardize Israel's security. Bennett warned that nuclear enrichment capabilities on Saudi soil might trigger a regional nuclear arms race, leading to a "dangerous loss of control."
Avigdor Lieberman, a former defense minister, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the establishment of a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia would inevitably lead to the development of nuclear weapons. He cautioned that this could result in a "crazy arms race" throughout the Middle East. Lieberman emphasized the need for Israel to actively oppose the deal and lobby Congress to prevent its approval.
The discussions surrounding a civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia have been ongoing for several years, spanning both the administrations of former President Donald Trump and the current President Joe Biden. Previous attempts to finalize a deal have stalled, partly due to concerns raised by nonproliferation advocates who argue that such an agreement could pave the way for Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons.
Israeli officials had hoped that any nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia would be linked to a broader normalization agreement between Israel and the kingdom, as envisioned in Biden's diplomatic strategy. Benny Gantz, a former defense chief, emphasized that no security expert would endorse the introduction of civilian nuclear capabilities in Saudi Arabia without integrating it into a framework aimed at fostering a moderate regional alliance. He underscored that such a move would not be beneficial for Israel's security.
As the situation develops, the Israeli government and its leaders are likely to continue monitoring the progress of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear agreement closely, as its implications for regional security and stability remain a pressing concern.