The Federation of American Scientists and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimate that Israel possesses approximately 90 nuclear warheads. The challenge in accurately assessing Israel’s nuclear capabilities lies in the country’s policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear program. John Erath, senior policy director at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, noted that this intentional secrecy aims to keep potential adversaries uncertain about Israel’s capabilities in times of crisis.
Historically, Israeli leaders sought to develop a nuclear arsenal to ensure the nation’s security following its establishment in 1948 and the trauma of the Holocaust. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the foundation for Israel’s nuclear ambitions was partly based on the need for self-defense. A declassified memo from July 1969 revealed a commitment by Israel, conveyed by Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, not to be the first to introduce nuclear weapons in the Near East. However, the specific interpretation of this commitment remains ambiguous.
The situation drew international attention when Mordechai Vanunu, a former technician at Israel’s Dimona nuclear reactor, disclosed critical information about Israel’s nuclear activities in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His revelations included details and photographs of the reactor, which sparked a global outcry and raised concerns about nuclear proliferation in the region. These elements illustrate the complexities surrounding Israel’s nuclear stance, its historical context, and the enduring implications for regional security dynamics.
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