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| Representative Joaquin Castro is among a group of Democrats calling for transparency on Israel's nuclear capabilities [Rod Lamkey, Jr/The Associated Press] |
Democrats Demand Answers From State Department
A group of Democratic lawmakers in the United States Congress is demanding greater transparency regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities amid rising tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
In a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, around 30 members of Congress called on the State Department to clarify long-standing questions surrounding Israel’s alleged nuclear arsenal and America’s policy of silence on the issue.
The lawmakers argued that the ongoing regional tensions involving Israel and Iran have increased the risks of escalation in the Middle East.
Congress Questions Longstanding Nuclear Ambiguity
Israel has never officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, maintaining what experts describe as a policy of “nuclear opacity” for decades.
However, multiple intelligence reports, former officials, and international analysts have long suggested Israel developed nuclear weapons capabilities as early as the 1960s.
The lawmakers said continued ambiguity weakens U.S. nonproliferation policy and complicates security calculations across the Middle East.
According to the letter, Congress has a constitutional responsibility to fully understand the nuclear balance in the region and potential escalation risks linked to ongoing conflicts.
Lawmakers Ask About Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal
The congressional letter specifically asks the State Department whether Israel possesses nuclear enrichment capabilities and seeks details regarding its reported nuclear warheads and launch systems.
The lawmakers also raised questions about the Negev Nuclear Research Center in Dimona, widely believed to be central to Israel’s nuclear program.
The letter asks whether Israel has shared any nuclear doctrine, operational red lines, or conditions for nuclear weapon use with the United States during the Iran conflict.
Lawmakers further questioned whether Washington has received assurances that Israel would not deploy nuclear weapons during regional conflicts.
Israel’s Nuclear Program Remains Officially Undeclared
Israel is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), unlike many countries around the world.
Over the decades, former U.S. officials, intelligence documents, and whistleblower reports have fueled international speculation regarding Israel’s nuclear capabilities.
The letter referenced reports suggesting that former U.S. administrations were aware of Israel’s nuclear development as early as the late 1960s.
Former Officials and Intelligence Reports Cited
The lawmakers pointed to multiple historical records, including intelligence findings from the CIA and public comments from former American officials acknowledging Israel’s suspected nuclear capabilities.
They also referenced Israeli whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu, who exposed details linked to Israel’s nuclear facilities in the 1980s.
According to estimates by the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Israel may possess around 90 nuclear warheads along with missile and submarine launch systems capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Iran Conflict Revives Regional Nuclear Debate
The renewed focus on Israel’s alleged nuclear program comes amid heightened tensions between Israel, Iran, and the United States.
Analysts warn that uncertainty surrounding nuclear capabilities in the Middle East could fuel a regional arms race involving countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The congressional push marks one of the rare public efforts by U.S. lawmakers to openly challenge Washington’s longstanding policy of ambiguity regarding Israel’s nuclear status.