Israeli warnings are mounting over the potentially serious consequences of US President Donald Trump’s approval of Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme. Israeli political and security circles are increasingly concerned that the decision could trigger a regional nuclear race, confronting the occupation state with what they describe as a new security and political challenge.
The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that Trump’s approval of a civilian nuclear programme for Saudi Arabia, including the option to enrich uranium, had caused considerable anxiety and unease in Tel Aviv.
Former US President Joe Biden had previously prevented the programme from moving forward, making progress conditional on Riyadh establishing a path towards normalisation with “Israel”.
Trump’s Iran Dilemma
Maariv said reports published yesterday on the issue reflected the scale of the dilemma facing the US president in his handling of Iran.
According to the newspaper, the Trump administration appears to have concluded that the measures already taken, or those that may be implemented later, cannot currently halt Iran’s nuclear programme. Doubts also remain over whether the Strait of Hormuz can be closed.
The newspaper added: “Trump believes that with each passing day, he increasingly appears ‘weak’ or ‘hesitant’ in the eyes of public opinion inside the United States, particularly after it emerged yesterday that the number of American military personnel killed so far in the war with Iran had reached 18 soldiers.”
It continued: “The Arab Gulf states are also observing this weakness, while both China and Russia clearly recognise that the United States is no longer capable of performing the role of the ‘world’s policeman’ effectively.”
Fears of a Regional Nuclear Race
Maariv warned that approving the construction of a nuclear reactor in Saudi Arabia would launch a nuclear race across the Middle East.
It said Egypt, Türkiye, Greece, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar would also seek to establish nuclear reactors.
The United States is not the only supplier of such technology, the newspaper noted. France, Japan and South Korea could also provide it, alongside Russia and China.
Under such a scenario, Maariv said, “Israel’s” position would become extremely dangerous.
A nuclear arms race, combined with competition to acquire ballistic missiles, would force the occupation state to completely redesign its preparedness for threats across the Middle East and the Arab Gulf region.
Pressure on Congress and Arab Alliances
Maariv argued that the Israeli political leadership should now focus its efforts on working with the US Congress to stop this course.
At the same time, it said “Israel” should reconsider its approach towards what it calls “moderate” Arab states and work to establish a political and security alliance based on the Abraham Accords, or similar frameworks, in order to strengthen Israeli national security.
The newspaper concluded that military power remains necessary and important, but long-term security is also built through alliances and strong political initiatives.
It added that “Israel” is currently failing to pursue either effectively.
