<p>On March 25, 2026, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon was questioned by a reporter about Israel's secretive nuclear program and why it was justified for Israel to have a secretive nuclear program and why any other country in the Middle East does not have the same right.</p><p>“Sir, everyone knows that Israel is a nuclear power. Former nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu fled Israel to London, and he gave that important interview with the Times of London, and he was kidnapped back to Israel and was arrested for 18 years,” said the reporter. He then asked, “Why does Israel have the right to acquire nuclear weapons, but no other Middle Eastern country has that same right?”</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-child-torture-allegations-israel-detention-abuse-1774340931837"><strong>Palestinian media alleges 1-year-old boy 'tortured by Israeli forces' in Gaza to 'extract confession' from father</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reporter: Why does Israel have the right to nukes, but no other Middle Eastern country has that same right?<br><br>Israeli Amb. to UN Danny Danon: We want peace.<a href="https://t.co/DmN2H9l8x8">pic.twitter.com/DmN2H9l8x8</a></p>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/2036761394469552197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Danon responded that Israel is a stabilising force, it signs treaties, while Iran is an aggressor. “Israel is a stabilising force in the region. We want peace. Allow me to answer that. We sign peace treaties, we promote peace, we pray for peace. When you look at the Iranian regime, they are doing exactly the opposite,” said Dannon. He continued that Iran attacked 13 countries within a month, and Israel, in its entire 77 years of existence, did not attack 13 countries.&nbsp;</p><p>The reporter again asked if he would be responding to the question of nuclear capability. “Can you answer my question about nuclear capabilities?” Dannon responded, “I did. Thank you.” Israel has never admitted to having nuclear power. It maintains a doctrine of nuclear-ambiguity, -or nuclear-opacity but ever since the revelations by whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu, it is widely believed that Israel does possess at least 90 nuclear warheads according to SIPRI and The Federation of American Scientists. Israel has never signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), while Iran has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996, the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963, and signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015 until Trump walked out of the deal in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

At the UN, Danny Danon sidesteps a reporter’s question on Israel’s nuclear weapons, reigniting debate over nuclear double standards in the Middle East.

On March 25, 2026, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon was questioned by a reporter about Israel's secretive nuclear program and why it was justified for Israel to have a secretive nuclear program and why any other country in the Middle East does not have the same right. “Sir, everyone knows that Israel is a nuclear power. Former nuclear technician Mordechai Vanunu fled Israel to London, and he gave that important interview with the Times of London, and he was kidnapped back to Israel and was arrested for 18 years,” said the reporter. He then asked, “Why does Israel have the right to acquire nuclear weapons, but no other Middle Eastern country has that same right?” Also Read: Palestinian media alleges 1-year-old boy 'tortured by Israeli forces' in Gaza to 'extract confession' from father

<p>At the UN, Danny Danon sidesteps a reporter’s question on Israel’s nuclear weapons, reigniting debate over nuclear double standards in the Middle East.</p>

Why can Israel have nukes? UN Reporter presses Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon on double standards

<p>After 12 days of the Israel-Iran war, during which the US struck Iranian nuclear sites using B-2 bombers and bunker busters, an American-brokered ceasefire appears to be holding, for now. The conflict began after Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran, calling them a “pre-emptive measure” to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic bomb.</p><p>Tel Aviv's campaign to stop Iran from making nuclear weapons has brought attention to Israel's own nuclear programme. One key location is the Dimona nuclear facility, a site shrouded in secrecy and long regarded as the crown jewel of Israel’s nuclear programme.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-ready-to-trade-enriched-uranium-for-this-substance-what-is-yellowcake-can-it-be-used-to-make-nuclear-weapons-1751125384754"><strong>Iran ready to trade enriched uranium for THIS substance: What is Yellowcake? Can it be used to make nuclear weapons?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>What exactly is Dimona?</strong></h2><p>The Dimona nuclear facility, located in southern Israel, is the country’s most sensitive and highly classified nuclear site. Built in 1958 with French assistance, it has long been associated with Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons programme.</p><p>What makes Dimona unique is that even the US intelligence community failed to detect its purpose for years. The site remained under wraps until December 1960, when a University of Michigan professor named Henry Gomberg uncovered the truth.</p><h2><strong>How was Dimona discovered?</strong></h2><p>While visiting Israel as a consultant to the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission, Gomberg observed signs of a much larger project than the one publicly shown at Soreq. He reported his findings to the US Ambassador in Tel Aviv and the Atomic Energy Commission in Paris. Upon returning to Washington, he briefed US officials, leading to the CIA confirming Dimona’s existence.</p><p>On 7 December 1960, the US State Department summoned the Israeli ambassador for an explanation, and Dimona was formally added to the diplomatic agenda. A post-mortem report was later sent to President Kennedy, analysing why the US had failed to detect the site earlier. From Israel’s point of view, the late discovery was a stroke of luck, giving the project time to advance without interference.</p><h2><strong>Is Dimona still active today?</strong></h2><p>According to a June 2024 SIPRI report, Israel is modernising its nuclear weapons systems, including upgrading production facilities likely near Dimona. Though Israel has never confirmed it has nuclear weapons, international experts estimate the country holds about 90 nuclear warheads. SIPRI also reported signs that Israel was upgrading the reactor in the Dimona region, as part of a broader modernisation effort.</p><h2><strong>What role does Dimona play in Israel’s nuclear strategy?</strong></h2><p>Israel has followed a long-standing policy of “nuclear ambiguity”, refusing to confirm or deny its nuclear arsenal. It insists it will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the region. However, hints over the years, including historic discussions during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, suggest the existence of a functional deterrent. In recent years, public statements by far-right politicians have further revived speculation. In November 2023, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu suggested dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza.</p>

The Dimona nuclear facility, located in southern Israel, is the country’s most sensitive and highly classified nuclear site. Built in 1958 with French assistance, it has long been associated with Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons programme.

After 12 days of the Israel-Iran war, during which the US struck Iranian nuclear sites using B-2 bombers and bunker busters, an American-brokered ceasefire appears to be holding, for now. The conflict began after Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran, calling them a “pre-emptive measure” to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic bomb. Tel Aviv's campaign to stop Iran from making nuclear weapons has brought attention to Israel's own nuclear programme. One key location is the Dimona nuclear facility, a site shrouded in secrecy and long regarded as the crown jewel of Israel’s nuclear programme. Also read: Iran ready to trade enriched uranium for THIS substance: What is Yellowcake? Can it be used to make nuclear weapons? What exactly is Dimona? The Dimona nuclear facility, located in southern Israel, is the country’s most sensitive and highly classified nuclear site. Built in 1958 with French assistance, it has long been associated with Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons programme. What makes Dimona unique is that even the US intelligence community failed to detect its purpose for years. The site remained under wraps until December 1960, when a University of Michigan professor named Henry Gomberg uncovered the truth. How was Dimona discovered? While visiting Israel as a consultant to the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission, Gomberg observed signs of a much larger project than the one publicly shown at Soreq. He reported his findings to the US Ambassador in Tel Aviv and the Atomic Energy Commission in Paris. Upon returning to Washington, he briefed US officials, leading to the CIA confirming Dimona’s existence. On 7 December 1960, the US State Department summoned the Israeli ambassador for an explanation, and Dimona was formally added to the diplomatic agenda. A post-mortem report was later sent to President Kennedy, analysing why the US had failed to detect the site earlier. From Israel’s point of view, the late discovery was a stroke of luck, giving the project time to advance without interference. Is Dimona still active today? According to a June 2024 SIPRI report, Israel is modernising its nuclear weapons systems, including upgrading production facilities likely near Dimona. Though Israel has never confirmed it has nuclear weapons, international experts estimate the country holds about 90 nuclear warheads. SIPRI also reported signs that Israel was upgrading the reactor in the Dimona region, as part of a broader modernisation effort. What role does Dimona play in Israel’s nuclear strategy? Israel has followed a long-standing policy of “nuclear ambiguity”, refusing to confirm or deny its nuclear arsenal. It insists it will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the region. However, hints over the years, including historic discussions during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, suggest the existence of a functional deterrent. In recent years, public statements by far-right politicians have further revived speculation. In November 2023, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu suggested dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza.

<p>The Dimona nuclear facility, located in southern Israel, is the country’s most sensitive and highly classified nuclear site. Built in 1958 with French assistance, it has long been associated with Israel’s undeclared nuclear weapons programme.</p>

What is Dimona? Inside Israel’s ‘secretive’ nuclear facility that FOOLED US intelligence for years

<p>Iranian missiles have hit the city of Beersheba in the ongoing war with Israel, hitting its hospitals, buildings and other installations. Soroka Hospital was among the targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba? Why is it important, and why did Iran attack the hospital? Please note that Iran and Israel are separated by 1,000 miles of territory. So the only major way to attack is through the air, which is why Iran is raining missiles on Israel, in the wake of the Jewish nation's offensive on the Islamic Republic that started on June 13.</p><h2>Where is Beersheba?</h2><p>Beersheba is a prominent city located in southern Israel’s Negev Desert. It is nearly 70 miles south of Jerusalem and 25 miles east of the Gaza Strip, where Israel is locked in battle with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.<br><br>Known as the capital of the Negev, Beersheba is the administrative and economic hub of southern Israel. &nbsp;As it is not located near a border, Beersheba is safe from conventional cross-border attacks.But it can be reached by Iran's long-range ballistic missiles.<br><br><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-moves-closer-to-attacking-iran-1750397169331/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-moves-closer-to-attacking-iran-1750397169331/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Iran's attack on Soroka Hospital</h2><p>Several people were injured in Iran's missile attack on Beersheba's Soroka Medical Center on Thursday (June 19). Iran claimed that the barrage was targeted at a nearby military and intelligence headquarters.&nbsp;<br><br>The missiles, it appears, were meant for the Southern Command of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Gav-Yam Technology Park in the city. The Southern Command is believed to be located some two kilometres from Soroka Hospital.<br><br>The attack on the hospital injured dozens of people. Casualties at the Soroka Hospital were limited as patients were moved underground in time, according to reports, but the building was damaged and on fire.<br><br>Israeli leaders called the hospital attack by Iran a deliberate war crime.<br>&nbsp;</p><h2>Beersheba’s strategic importance</h2><p>The IDF's Southern Command headquarters is believed to be coordinating military operations in southern Israel from Beersheba. The city is near airbases like Hatzerim and Nevatim. These airbases are playing a crucial role in Israel's air defence and operations.&nbsp;<br><br>Beereheba also supports logistics and communication hubs. For all these reasons, Beersheba is strategically important, &nbsp;making it a high-value target Iran, in order to hit its military and civilian infrastructure.</p><h2>Is there a nuclear angle to Beersheba attack?</h2><p>Besides its role as a key urban centre hosting critical infrastructure, Beersheba is also located near Dimona. Some 20 miles away from Beersheba, Dimona hosts the nuclear research center of Israel. This adds to the strategic significance of Beersheba.<br><br>By attacking Beersheba, Iran is possibly sending a signal that it can come very close to, and possibly attack, Israel's nuclear installations too.<br><br>By using ballistic missiles and cluster munitions on a densely populated area like Beersheba, Iran is also possibly signalling that it can target civilian areas if it wants to.</p><p><br><i>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and </i>videos.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Soroka Hospita in Beersheba was among Iran missile targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba? 

Iranian missiles have hit the city of Beersheba in the ongoing war with Israel, hitting its hospitals, buildings and other installations. Soroka Hospital was among the targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba? Why is it important, and why did Iran attack the hospital? Please note that Iran and Israel are separated by 1,000 miles of territory. So the only major way to attack is through the air, which is why Iran is raining missiles on Israel, in the wake of the Jewish nation's offensive on the Islamic Republic that started on June 13. Where is Beersheba? Beersheba is a prominent city located in southern Israel’s Negev Desert. It is nearly 70 miles south of Jerusalem and 25 miles east of the Gaza Strip, where Israel is locked in battle with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Known as the capital of the Negev, Beersheba is the administrative and economic hub of southern Israel. As it is not located near a border, Beersheba is safe from conventional cross-border attacks.But it can be reached by Iran's long-range ballistic missiles. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-moves-closer-to-attacking-iran-1750397169331/embed Iran's attack on Soroka Hospital Several people were injured in Iran's missile attack on Beersheba's Soroka Medical Center on Thursday (June 19). Iran claimed that the barrage was targeted at a nearby military and intelligence headquarters. The missiles, it appears, were meant for the Southern Command of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Gav-Yam Technology Park in the city. The Southern Command is believed to be located some two kilometres from Soroka Hospital. The attack on the hospital injured dozens of people. Casualties at the Soroka Hospital were limited as patients were moved underground in time, according to reports, but the building was damaged and on fire. Israeli leaders called the hospital attack by Iran a deliberate war crime. Beersheba’s strategic importance The IDF's Southern Command headquarters is believed to be coordinating military operations in southern Israel from Beersheba. The city is near airbases like Hatzerim and Nevatim. These airbases are playing a crucial role in Israel's air defence and operations. Beereheba also supports logistics and communication hubs. For all these reasons, Beersheba is strategically important, making it a high-value target Iran, in order to hit its military and civilian infrastructure. Is there a nuclear angle to Beersheba attack? Besides its role as a key urban centre hosting critical infrastructure, Beersheba is also located near Dimona. Some 20 miles away from Beersheba, Dimona hosts the nuclear research center of Israel. This adds to the strategic significance of Beersheba. By attacking Beersheba, Iran is possibly sending a signal that it can come very close to, and possibly attack, Israel's nuclear installations too. By using ballistic missiles and cluster munitions on a densely populated area like Beersheba, Iran is also possibly signalling that it can target civilian areas if it wants to. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments in the Israel-Iran conflict. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

<p>Soroka Hospita in Beersheba was among Iran's targets, and Israel vowed revenge for the attack. So, where is Beersheba?&nbsp;</p>

Why did Iran target Beersheba? Is there a nuclear angle? Know about city burning after Iranian missile attack

<p>US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shares this view, recently calling Israel’s surprise strikes on Iran a “pre-emptive measure” to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic bomb.</p><p>Iran denies any intention of building nuclear arms and insists its programme is for peaceful use. It is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which forbids non-nuclear states from acquiring such weapons and allows the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect nuclear activities.</p><p>Ironically, Israel is one of nine nations believed to have nuclear weapons, despite never officially confirming it.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-how-did-iran-breach-israel-s-iron-dome-tel-aviv-s-air-defence-shield-has-cracks-and-tehran-is-exploiting-them-1750239971013"><strong>Israel-Iran war: How did Iran breach Israel’s Iron Dome? Tel Aviv’s air defence shield has cracks and Tehran is exploiting them</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How many nuclear weapons does Israel have?</strong></h2><p>Estimates suggest Israel holds around 90 nuclear warheads and enough materials to build many more. Among the nine nuclear powers, Israel is thought to have the second-smallest arsenal, only ahead of North Korea.</p><p>These warheads are believed to be deployable by land, sea and air. Israel’s F-15, F-16 and F-35 aircraft can be modified to carry nuclear bombs. Six Dolphin-class submarines, built in Germany, are suspected to have nuclear missile capabilities. On land, the Jericho ballistic missile series can travel up to 4,000 km, with about two dozen possibly capable of carrying nuclear warheads.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-how-did-iran-get-american-f-14-tomcats-fighter-jet-and-why-is-it-still-flying-them-years-after-us-retired-them-1750260034881"><strong>Israel-Iran war: How did Iran get American F-14 'Tomcats' fighter jet, and why is it still flying them years after US&nbsp;retired&nbsp;them?</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How it all began: From Holocaust trauma to nuclear resolve</strong></h2><p>Israel’s nuclear journey began shortly after the state’s founding in 1948. By 1952, the Israel Atomic Energy Commission was formed. Its first chair, Ernst David Bergmann, stated that a nuclear bomb would ensure that “we shall never again be led as lambs to the slaughter.”</p><p>In 1958, Israel started constructing a secret facility in Dimona, in the Negev desert. French assistance played a crucial role, providing key technology and aiding the construction of a plutonium reprocessing plant. The cooperation was largely driven by a mutual distrust of Egypt’s then-president, Gamal Abdel Nasser.</p><p>At the time, even the United States didn’t know what was really happening in Dimona.</p><h2><strong>The elaborate deception</strong></h2><p>Facing pressure from Washington, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion told the Knesset in 1960 that Dimona was just a “research reactor” for peaceful purposes. US inspectors were allowed to visit between 1961 and 1969, but parts of the site were carefully hidden. Walls were faked, elevators concealed, and a crucial underground separation plant was kept secret.</p><p>Despite these inspections, Israel reportedly completed its separation plant by 1965, began producing weapons-grade plutonium by 1966, and had a working nuclear weapon by the Six-Day War in 1967.</p><h2><strong>The Nixon-Meir understanding of 1969</strong></h2><p>By the late 1960s, the US had realised Dimona’s real purpose. In 1969, President Richard Nixon and Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir reached a deal: the US would not interfere as long as Israel kept its nuclear programme quiet.</p><p>This unofficial pact, often referred to as the Nixon-Meir deal, remains in effect. Israel continues to maintain a policy of “nuclear ambiguity,” refusing to confirm or deny possession of nuclear weapons. In turn, US administrations have avoided public comment on the matter.</p><h2><strong>Did Israel ever test a nuclear weapon?</strong></h2><p>Israel is the only nuclear state that hasn’t openly tested a bomb. However, in 1979, a double flash of light, characteristic of a nuclear explosion, was detected over the South Atlantic. Some believe it was a joint Israeli-South African test.</p><p>Former US President Jimmy Carter later wrote, “We have a growing belief among our scientists that the Israelis did indeed conduct a nuclear test explosion.”</p><h2><strong>The whistleblower who revealed Dimona</strong></h2><p>In 1986, Mordechai Vanunu, a former nuclear technician, leaked details of Israel’s nuclear programme to The Sunday Times. He claimed Dimona could produce enough plutonium for up to 12 bombs a year and shared 60 photographs of the facility.</p><p>Before the story was published, Vanunu was lured to Rome by a Mossad agent, drugged, and secretly flown back to Israel. He was later sentenced to 18 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. Even after his release in 2004, he remains under strict restrictions, including a ban on speaking to foreign journalists.</p><h2><strong>Israel’s nuclear strategy: The Samson Option</strong></h2><p>Israel has never made its nuclear doctrine public. Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, “That’s our policy. Not to be the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East.”</p><p>Experts suggest Israel would only use nuclear weapons in an extreme “last resort” scenario. This approach is known as the “Samson Option”, a reference to the biblical figure who brought down a temple on himself and his enemies when facing death.</p><p>Unlike the Cold War strategy of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), the Samson Option implies Israel could act alone if it believes its survival is at stake, even if the threat comes from a non-nuclear power.</p><p>Hints at nuclear capability are rare but not absent. In 2016, Netanyahu said, “Our submarine fleet acts as a deterrent to our enemies.” In 2023, Israel’s heritage minister briefly suggested that dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza was “an option,” later calling the remark “metaphorical.”</p>

Estimates suggest Israel holds around 90 nuclear warheads and enough materials to build many more. Among the nine nuclear powers, Israel is thought to have the second-smallest arsenal, only ahead of North Korea.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shares this view, recently calling Israel’s surprise strikes on Iran a “pre-emptive measure” to prevent Tehran from developing an atomic bomb. Iran denies any intention of building nuclear arms and insists its programme is for peaceful use. It is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which forbids non-nuclear states from acquiring such weapons and allows the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect nuclear activities. Ironically, Israel is one of nine nations believed to have nuclear weapons, despite never officially confirming it. Also read: Israel-Iran war: How did Iran breach Israel’s Iron Dome? Tel Aviv’s air defence shield has cracks and Tehran is exploiting them How many nuclear weapons does Israel have? Estimates suggest Israel holds around 90 nuclear warheads and enough materials to build many more. Among the nine nuclear powers, Israel is thought to have the second-smallest arsenal, only ahead of North Korea. These warheads are believed to be deployable by land, sea and air. Israel’s F-15, F-16 and F-35 aircraft can be modified to carry nuclear bombs. Six Dolphin-class submarines, built in Germany, are suspected to have nuclear missile capabilities. On land, the Jericho ballistic missile series can travel up to 4,000 km, with about two dozen possibly capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Also read: Israel-Iran war: How did Iran get American F-14 'Tomcats' fighter jet, and why is it still flying them years after US retired them? How it all began: From Holocaust trauma to nuclear resolve Israel’s nuclear journey began shortly after the state’s founding in 1948. By 1952, the Israel Atomic Energy Commission was formed. Its first chair, Ernst David Bergmann, stated that a nuclear bomb would ensure that “we shall never again be led as lambs to the slaughter.” In 1958, Israel started constructing a secret facility in Dimona, in the Negev desert. French assistance played a crucial role, providing key technology and aiding the construction of a plutonium reprocessing plant. The cooperation was largely driven by a mutual distrust of Egypt’s then-president, Gamal Abdel Nasser. At the time, even the United States didn’t know what was really happening in Dimona. The elaborate deception Facing pressure from Washington, Israeli Prime Minister David Ben Gurion told the Knesset in 1960 that Dimona was just a “research reactor” for peaceful purposes. US inspectors were allowed to visit between 1961 and 1969, but parts of the site were carefully hidden. Walls were faked, elevators concealed, and a crucial underground separation plant was kept secret. Despite these inspections, Israel reportedly completed its separation plant by 1965, began producing weapons-grade plutonium by 1966, and had a working nuclear weapon by the Six-Day War in 1967. The Nixon-Meir understanding of 1969 By the late 1960s, the US had realised Dimona’s real purpose. In 1969, President Richard Nixon and Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir reached a deal: the US would not interfere as long as Israel kept its nuclear programme quiet. This unofficial pact, often referred to as the Nixon-Meir deal, remains in effect. Israel continues to maintain a policy of “nuclear ambiguity,” refusing to confirm or deny possession of nuclear weapons. In turn, US administrations have avoided public comment on the matter. Did Israel ever test a nuclear weapon? Israel is the only nuclear state that hasn’t openly tested a bomb. However, in 1979, a double flash of light, characteristic of a nuclear explosion, was detected over the South Atlantic. Some believe it was a joint Israeli-South African test. Former US President Jimmy Carter later wrote, “We have a growing belief among our scientists that the Israelis did indeed conduct a nuclear test explosion.” The whistleblower who revealed Dimona In 1986, Mordechai Vanunu, a former nuclear technician, leaked details of Israel’s nuclear programme to The Sunday Times. He claimed Dimona could produce enough plutonium for up to 12 bombs a year and shared 60 photographs of the facility. Before the story was published, Vanunu was lured to Rome by a Mossad agent, drugged, and secretly flown back to Israel. He was later sentenced to 18 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. Even after his release in 2004, he remains under strict restrictions, including a ban on speaking to foreign journalists. Israel’s nuclear strategy: The Samson Option Israel has never made its nuclear doctrine public. Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, “That’s our policy. Not to be the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the Middle East.” Experts suggest Israel would only use nuclear weapons in an extreme “last resort” scenario. This approach is known as the “Samson Option”, a reference to the biblical figure who brought down a temple on himself and his enemies when facing death. Unlike the Cold War strategy of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), the Samson Option implies Israel could act alone if it believes its survival is at stake, even if the threat comes from a non-nuclear power. Hints at nuclear capability are rare but not absent. In 2016, Netanyahu said, “Our submarine fleet acts as a deterrent to our enemies.” In 2023, Israel’s heritage minister briefly suggested that dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza was “an option,” later calling the remark “metaphorical.”

<p>Estimates suggest Israel holds around 90 nuclear warheads and enough materials to build many more. Among the nine nuclear powers, Israel is thought to have the second-smallest arsenal, only ahead of North Korea.</p>

Israel-Iran war: How Israel built nuclear weapons and kept them a secret for decades? The elaborate deception that fooled the US and world

From geopolitical conflict to scientific breakthroughs, Israel’s has always stunned the world, especially considering of its size. 

<p>From geopolitical conflict to scientific breakthroughs, Israel’s has always stunned the world, especially considering of its size. Yet there's one basic question which remains, confusing &nbsp;many: which continent does it actually belong to?</p>

Is Israel part of Asia or Europe? Understanding the continental identity crisis

israel-nuclear-weapon

Israel Nuclear Weapon, News on Israel Nuclear Weapon, stories on Israel Nuclear Weapon, articles on Israel Nuclear Weapon, Israel Nuclear Weapon stories at Wion, Israel Nuclear Weapon news, Israel Nuclear Weapon latest news

israel nuclear-weapon

Why can Israel have nukes? UN Reporter presses Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon on double standards

What is Dimona? Israel’s ‘secretive’ nuclear facility that FOOLED US intel

Beersheba attacked. Is there a nuclear angle? Know about the burning city

Israel-Iran war: How Israel built nuclear weapons and kept them a secret?

Is Israel part of Asia or Europe? Understanding the continental identity crisis