Arabic version: الكونغرس يطالب بالوضوح بشأن القدرات النووية لإسرائيل

A group of Democratic lawmakers in the United States Congress has urged the State Department to clarify Israel’s nuclear capabilities. This request comes in light of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, highlighting the need for transparency regarding Israel’s nuclear arsenal.

According to Al Jazeera, the lawmakers sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that the ambiguity surrounding Israel’s nuclear weapons policy complicates nonproliferation efforts in the Middle East. The letter, signed by 30 members of Congress, expressed concern over the lack of information on nuclear capabilities that could influence regional stability.

The lawmakers specifically inquired about the Negev Nuclear Research Center in Dimona, which is believed to be central to Israel’s nuclear program. They asked for details on Israel’s enrichment capabilities, the status of its nuclear warheads, and whether Israel has communicated any nuclear doctrine to the US.

This push for transparency marks a rare instance of concerted congressional pressure on the executive branch concerning Israel’s nuclear status. Historically, lawmakers have called for clarity on this issue, but coordinated efforts have been infrequent. The letter arrives at a time when relations between the US and Israel are under scrutiny due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the broader implications of the US-Israel war on Iran.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative estimates that Israel has 90 nuclear warheads, a plutonium stockpile of 750 to 1,110kg (1,700 to 2,400lbs), and advanced delivery systems. The call for transparency reflects growing bipartisan concerns regarding the implications of Israel’s nuclear capabilities amidst escalating tensions in the region.