Approval of the Saudi nuclear program? A demand for urgent discussion in the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee

Against the backdrop of progress in the contacts between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, opposition members on the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee are demanding a special session to discuss this sensitive issue.

The letter was sent to the committee chairman, Yuli Edelstein (Likud), in which committee members Sharon Nir, Gadi Eizenkot, Ram Ben-Barak, Merav Michaeli, Gideon Sa'ar, and Idan Roll request an urgent committee discussion on the security implications arising from the emerging agreement with Saudi Arabia regarding the Saudi civilian nuclear program.

In their letter, they specify several issues that they believe should be examined, similar to the way discussions are conducted with key security officials in Israel. These include the strategic implications for Israel and the Middle East, as well as the question of authority to make such a decision only after a cabinet meeting and committee vote.

The initiative of this petition was led by Knesset member Sharon Nir (Yisrael Beiteinu), who also added to the matter: "At a time when the security reality is sensitive and complex as it is, it is important for the government, coalition members, including the chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, to act responsibly and allow committee members to thoroughly and professionally examine the security implications arising from the agreement being formed with Saudi Arabia."

"The idea of providing Saudi Arabia with a civilian nuclear program and allowing uranium enrichment in the Middle East is something that must not be taken lightly. It is important that we learn and thoroughly understand all the implications of such an agreement well before proceeding."