Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer, shared his perspective on a Saudi civilian nuclear program during an interview in the United States over the weekend. In light of his discussions with senior Biden administration officials, Dermer hinted at Israel’s potential openness to a Saudi nuclear initiative within an Israel-American-Saudi agreement. He noted that if Saudi Arabia’s desired terms were not met by the U.S., they might seek alternatives such as China or France.
Dermer emphasized the distinction between civilian nuclear power and a nuclear weapons program, asserting that certain countries in the region could pursue civilian nuclear programs without posing a security threat. Dermer’s close ties to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the significance of his message. Following his arrival in Washington, where he engaged with senior U.S. officials including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the State Department acknowledged discussions about further integrating Israel into the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia as the implied focal point.
In an interview with the U.S. public broadcaster PBS, Dermer navigated the complexities of the Israeli position on a Saudi civilian nuclear program. He emphasized the importance of examining the finer details of any agreement reached. Notably, Dermer conveyed that Saudi Arabia need not rely solely on the U.S. for such a program, suggesting that alternative arrangements could be pursued, especially with China.
Dermer’s remarks underscored the flexibility Saudi Arabia has in seeking nuclear partnerships beyond the U.S. and highlighted the potential long-term implications of U.S. involvement in such agreements. This perspective prompted comparisons to Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid’s recent stance, wherein he cautioned against uranium enrichment on Saudi soil, advocating for adherence to the standard set by the United Arab Emirates.
Dermer also touched on the Palestinian aspect of a potential deal, indicating that he would not negotiate on the issue during a PBS interview. He expressed interest in finding a path for the Palestinians that could lead to a political settlement of the conflict.
For Saudi Arabia, Dermer emphasized their aim to solidify alliances with the U.S. for an extended period. Additionally, when asked about whether the Netanyahu government would comply with a High Court ruling on judicial independence, Dermer, echoing Netanyahu’s recent interviews, refrained from providing a definitive answer.