Former Israeli PM Bennett Raises Nuclear Concerns with US Over Saudi Program

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has reportedly expressed concern to the United States over the possibility of the Trump administration allowing Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program. The news, originating from Turkish sources, indicates heightened anxiety in Israel regarding regional nuclear proliferation. Bennett's outreach to US officials underscores the strategic tension between Israel's long-standing policy of maintaining a nuclear monopoly in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia's ambitions for nuclear energy, which could potentially lead to a weapons capability. The timing coincides with ongoing US-brokered normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia. No official statements from the US or Saudi governments have been confirmed at this stage.

Global Impact

Politically, this could strain US-Israel relations if Washington proceeds with Saudi nuclear cooperation without addressing Israeli security concerns. Geopolitically, it may trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, with Iran and other states reassessing their own programs.