US Lawmakers Call for Transparency on Israels Nuclear Capabilities

US Lawmakers Urge Transparency on Israel’s Nuclear Capabilities

A group of 30 Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting that the State Department provide more information on Israel’s nuclear capabilities. The lawmakers cited the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran as a reason for increased transparency.

According to the Washington, DC-based Nuclear Threat Initiative, Israel has maintained “a policy of nuclear opacity” since the 1960s, never officially confirming its nuclear weapons program and arsenal. Despite this, the White House has also been ambiguous on the issue.

The lawmakers’ letter emphasizes their constitutional responsibility to be informed about the nuclear balance in the Middle East and the administration’s planning for potential scenarios. They specifically asked Rubio for information on Israel’s nuclear weapon capabilities, including the number of warheads and launchers, as well as details on its enrichment capabilities and plutonium production.

The letter also requested information on whether Israel has articulated a nuclear doctrine or red lines for nuclear use in the context of the current conflict with Iran. Additionally, lawmakers asked if the administration had received any assurances from Israel that nuclear weapons would not be used.

Several former US officials, Israeli whistleblowers, and unclassified intelligence documents have shed light on Israel’s alleged nuclear program over the years. These include reports from 1968, which indicated that Israel had developed or was capable of developing a nuclear weapon. In 1974, a US Special National Intelligence Estimate confirmed Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons.

The lawmakers’ letter noted that the public record supports the conclusion that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, citing statements by US and Israeli officials, including former defense secretary nominee Robert Gates. The Nuclear Threat Initiative estimates that Israel has approximately 90 nuclear warheads and a plutonium stockpile of 750 to 1,110kg.

Source: Al Jazeera