Israel's Nuclear Program: A History of Ambiguity and Deterrence

Israel maintains ambiguity about its nuclear program, believed to have dozens of warheads, despite not being a signatory to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. This policy has bolstered its deterrence against Iran and other enemies, but critics accuse Western countries of hypocrisy for keeping strict tabs on Iran's nuclear program while giving Israel's suspected arsenal a free pass. Israel has maintained secrecy about its program since the 1950s, with some historians suggesting the warheads were meant to be used only as a last resort.

Israel has maintained ambiguity about its nuclear program, believed to have dozens of warheads, despite not being a signatory to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. This policy has bolstered its deterrence against Iran and other enemies, but critics accuse Western countries of hypocrisy for keeping strict tabs on Iran's nuclear program while giving Israel's suspected arsenal a free pass. Israel has maintained secrecy about its program since the 1950s, with some historians suggesting the warheads were meant to be used only as a last resort [1].

In a recent escalation, Israel claimed to have set back Iran's presumed nuclear program by at least two years following a series of airstrikes. The attacks, which targeted Iran's Isfahan nuclear site and other facilities, were part of a broader campaign aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Israel's foreign minister Gideon Saar stated that the strikes have already delayed Iran's nuclear capabilities by two or three years [1].

The strikes have sparked regional tensions and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has decided to launch a coordinated campaign at the United Nations to bring Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal under international inspection. The initiative, driven by Iran, aims to challenge what the OIC refers to as “Israel’s nuclear exceptionalism” and the impunity it enjoys. The OIC seeks to push Israel to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and subject its nuclear program to full scrutiny by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [2].

The OIC's initiative is part of a broader effort to address the asymmetry in how nuclear issues are handled globally. While countries like Iran, despite being NPT signatories, face relentless pressure, Israel has evaded scrutiny for decades, enjoying diplomatic cover, particularly from Western nations. Critics argue that this double standard undermines global nuclear nonproliferation efforts and fuels regional instability.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has significant implications for global geopolitics and financial markets. The potential for further escalation could lead to disruptions in oil supplies and regional instability, which could impact financial markets. Moreover, the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and address the nuclear issue could have long-term implications for regional peace and security.

References:
[1] https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/israel-says-delayed-irans-presumed-nuclear-program-by-two-years-210571
[2] https://kashmirtimes.com/news/islamic-nations-vow-to-expose-israels-nuclear-arsenal