Does Israel have nuclear weapons?
One Israeli Middle East researcher argues that claims about Israel’s nuclear arsenal are driven by anti-Israel narratives, not verified evidence.
Israel and Iran flags. Picture: Supplied/Canva
Mike Wills (in for CapeTalk's John Maytham) is joined by Idan Ronen, an Israeli journalist and Middle East researcher.
Listen below:
When it comes to nuclear weapons in the Middle East, it would seem there’s a glaring double standard says Wills.
The world reacts with urgency to the possibility of a nuclear Iran — but says little about Israel’s long-assumed nuclear capabilities.
While not officially confirmed, Israel’s nuclear arsenal is widely accepted as fact — maintained under a policy of 'strategic ambiguity'.
Ronen says an anti-Israel rhetoric by certain media has led to the belief that Israel has nuclear weapons, without any solid evidence to support those claims.
"Who ever even said that Israel does have nukes? I can't find any credible, solid evidence for that."
- Idan Ronen, Israeli Journalist and Middle East Researcher
He says if Israel does have nuclear capability, there is a pertinent question that must be asked...
"Will this nuclear capability ever evolve into an actual nuke?"
- Idan Ronen, Israeli Journalist and Middle East Researcher
Ronen explains that Israel maintains deliberate uncertainty around its nuclear capabilities - a policy often referred to by its analysts as 'nuclear ambiguity'.
"Even we Israeli citizens... even we are not really sure."
- Idan Ronen, Israeli Journalist and Middle East Researcher
Ronen suggests that if Israel does possess nuclear weapons, it could be seen as a justified response to the security threats the country faces.
"Israel is the only nation on earth which is facing existential threat 24/7... some are hinting, such as Saudi Arabia, such as Turkey, that they are eager to reach for the nuke."
- Idan Ronen, Israeli Journalist and Middle East Researcher
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