Israel warns against Saudi uranium enrichment plans

Senior Israeli officials have voiced strong concern over the prospect that the United States could permit Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium on its own soil under a proposed civilian nuclear cooperation agreement.

According to a report by Channel 12, one senior Israeli official described the scenario as a “threat to Israel’s security” and said it would constitute a “red line” for the country.

Sources cited in the report said Israel’s security establishment believes that allowing uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and encourage other regional states to pursue similar capabilities.

The concerns come as Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia that could potentially grant the kingdom uranium enrichment capability as part of its civilian nuclear program, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The sources, who were not authorised to comment publicly ahead of a formal announcement, said the deal was expected to be unveiled on July 22. The agreement is expected to run for 30 years and involve U.S. companies in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure.

It could also pave the way for the construction of a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia following a joint U.S.-Saudi feasibility study.

By Tamilla Hasanova