Key facts
- The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have signed a 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement.
- The deal permits U.S. companies to export nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia.
- Concerns exist that the pact could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, potentially fueling a regional nuclear arms race.
- Former Israeli officials believe the deal compromises Israel's security and could lead to a regional nuclear race.
- The agreement reportedly does not include the 'Additional Protocol' for broader inspections.
A 30-year nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, allowing the kingdom to develop civilian nuclear reactors using American technology and potentially enrich uranium, has sparked significant fears in Israel of a regional arms race. Critics argue the deal, which still requires Congressional approval, compromises Israel's security interests and could push Iran closer to developing nuclear weapons. Former Israeli officials, including ex-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, have voiced strong opposition, warning of a dangerous escalation and a "crazy arms race throughout the entire Middle East." Benny Gantz, a former defense chief, questioned the strategic value of introducing civilian nuclear capability without integrating it into a broader regional alliance. The agreement reportedly lacks the "Additional Protocol" for broader inspections, a feature of previous U.S. nonproliferation efforts, though the U.S. administration maintains the deal upholds high standards of safety and nonproliferation.