A deal between the US and Saudi Arabia allowing the kingdom to build nuclear reactors using US technology and to enrich uranium has fueled fears in Israel of the start of an arms race in the Middle East.The agreement, which was announced on Wednesday and still needs approval from the US Congress, would allow Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense and foreign ministers have so far not commented on the deal, which critics say compromises Israel’s long-term security interests.
Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
“The nuclear agreement that is coming together with Saudi Arabia, over Israel’s head, is a serious strategic failure that endangers our security,” said former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett, who is seeking to unseat Netanyahu in an Oct. 27 election. “Nuclear enrichment on Saudi soil could lead to a regional nuclear race and a dangerous loss of control.”Former Israeli minister of defense Avigdor Lieberman said 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.”
