After 1956, the Israeli leadership felt abandoned by its allies as a result of the US’ opposition to the invasion of Egypt. It was also instrumental in prompting then Israeli Prime Minister Ben Gurion to go ahead with a nuclear program. Since he didn’t put much trust in the American president, Eisenhower, nor in the secretary of state, John Foster Dulles, Gurion decided not to let Washington in on his plans to build a nuclear plant in Israel. He preferred instead to collaborate with France even though it was Eisenhower who signed the agreement to build the experimental scientific nuclear reactor with Israel in 1955.
When Lyndon Johnson became president following Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the CIA gave him a detailed report of Israel’s nuclear military capability that made him furious as he had initiated the idea of a nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Nonetheless, he did not take any action. Thirty-six years on, the current US administration has blessed Israel’s nuclear capabilities under the pretext of ensuring its security and in defense of its safety and existence!
In reaction to the media portrayal of Mordechai Vanunu as a hero working for world peace, Sharon gave an interview that was published in London on April 25 hinting at the existence of that blessing. It was regretful but quite indicative that the Israeli government announced that it was not responsible for Vanunu’s safety after his release. This was viewed by many observers as an invitation to the extremist Jewish right-wing to assassinate Vanunu who betrayed Israel and became a Christian but who still knows a great deal about Israel’s nuclear weapons that could be harmful to Tel Aviv.
What is certain is that Israel has a sufficient number of nuclear weapons to place it fourth after the US, Russia and China. This has been made clear by satellite pictures.
In accordance with the worldwide desire to get rid of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction, it is time for the big countries, led by the US, to collectively demand Israel open its nuclear sites and halt its nuclear program and eradicate its nuclear, chemical and biological reserves. Israel’s nuclear arsenal poses a real threat to the safety and security of the region and of Israel itself. More importantly, it is a real threat to European countries, which prompted European citizens to vote Israel the greatest threat to international safety and security, before even Iraq, North Korea and Iran.
Demanding that Israel reveal its nuclear program at this time has a special importance as it corresponds to the desire for change that has begun to dominate the Middle East. It has also stopped any plans to backtrack in the face of any country that toys with the idea of entering the nuclear arms race since ready-made nuclear bombs have become freely available to whomever will pay the price! The absence of all kinds of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East may seriously contribute to building a real peace and deny the existence of any hostile desires or intentions of any country in the region.
Will Israel agree to undergo that experiment? Its answer will clearly indicate its desire for peace or otherwise. Does Israel really seek peace? Is Sharon truly a man of peace?
