According to Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel won’t necessarily oppose an agreement permitting Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium for research purposes. Reports indicate that one of Riyadh’s conditions for normalizing relations with Israel is assistance from the United States in establishing a civil nuclear program.
Hanegbi asserted that Israel’s consent is not required for this endeavor, citing examples of other countries operating nuclear research centers without posing a threat.
While the focus is on a civilian nuclear program, Riyadh has previously expressed interest in nuclear development, especially in response to Iran’s actions.
Talks to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel have been progressing, with US officials involved in the discussions. President Joe Biden acknowledged the potential for rapprochement.
The UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan have already established diplomatic relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, which the Palestinians have criticized for disregarding their aspirations for a Palestinian state.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir supported normalization deals with Arab countries but opposed any concessions that could empower Palestinian authorities or compromise territory.