Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has warned that Israel should never agree to Saudi Arabia enriching uranium, even if such a move is part of a broader normalization agreement between the two countries.
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| Ai Generated Picture |
Lapid argued that allowing Saudi Arabia to develop uranium enrichment capabilities could trigger a wider nuclear competition across the Middle East. According to him, if Riyadh is granted enrichment rights, Türkiye and Egypt could seek the same capabilities, increasing regional tensions.
He also pointed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which agreed to forgo domestic uranium enrichment under its civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States. Lapid suggested that if another country in the region is allowed to enrich uranium, the UAE could demand similar rights, potentially weakening existing non-proliferation arrangements.
"The Middle East must not enter a nuclear arms race," Lapid said, emphasizing that Israel should oppose any agreement that permits Saudi uranium enrichment, regardless of the diplomatic benefits of normalization.
The issue remains one of the most sensitive aspects of discussions surrounding a potential Saudi-Israel normalization deal. Supporters of civilian nuclear cooperation argue that countries can pursue peaceful nuclear energy under international safeguards, while critics warn that enrichment technology can also provide the capability to produce fuel suitable for nuclear weapons if diverted from civilian use.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, Lapid's remarks highlight ongoing debate within Israel over balancing regional diplomacy with long-term security concerns. The question of Saudi Arabia's nuclear programme is expected to remain a central issue in any future agreement involving the United States, Israel, and Gulf states.
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