Key facts
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that most of the world assesses Israel has nuclear weapons.
- Rubio reaffirmed the US policy of not acknowledging Israel's nuclear stockpile.
- Rep. Joaquin Castro questioned Rubio about Israel's nuclear capabilities and potential use.
- US foreign policy has maintained an understanding with Israel since President Nixon not to acknowledge its nuclear program.
- This ambiguity allows the US to provide military assistance without violating the Symington Amendment.
During a congressional hearing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was questioned by Rep. Joaquin Castro regarding Israel's nuclear weapons program. Rubio acknowledged that 'most of the world assesses that they do' possess nuclear weapons, while also stating that the US policy is not to acknowledge or discuss Israel's nuclear stockpile. Castro expressed concern about Israel's potential 'red lines' for using nuclear weapons and the lack of information provided to oversight bodies. Rubio indicated willingness to discuss further in a classified briefing. This long-standing US policy of ambiguity, maintained since President Nixon's administration, allows the US to provide military aid to Israel without violating the 1976 Symington Amendment, which prohibits aid to countries trafficking in nuclear enrichment technology outside international safeguards. The article contrasts this with Iran's nuclear program, noting Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its former supreme leader issued a Fatwa against developing nuclear weapons, while Israel is not a signatory and its estimated arsenal ranges from 70 to 300 warheads.