Dangerous Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East: An Israeli Perspective

Abstract

The history of nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East is one of failures, deceit, and unfulfilled NPT commitments. Numerous Middle Eastern states, including Iraq, Syria, Libya, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, have secretly abrogated their Treaty obligations and have pursued nuclear weapons. This historical fact, coupled with the instability seen throughout the Middle East, poses a grave threat to Israel's security, undermines regional stability, and significantly raises the stakes in the regional nuclear arms race. This article analyzes the dangers of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East from an Israeli perspective. It gives reason to Israel's decision to remain outside the NPT and explains that the motivation to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East must emanate from within the region and cannot be imposed by external forces, let alone by majoritarian United Nations General Assembly resolutions. This article concludes that all regional parties in the Middle East ought to forge a new future in a process characterized by confidence-building, mutual recognition, and direct dialogue, with a view and desire to establish a new regional political and security order that will benefit the entire region.