Democrats urge Rubio to acknowledge Israel possesses nuclear weapons amid Iran war
House Democrats have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to publicly acknowledge that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, arguing that the long-standing U.S. policy of ambiguity is unsustainable amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. The lawmakers contend that transparency about Israel's nuclear capabilities is essential for informed congressional oversight and effective nonproliferation efforts. They emphasize that the U.S. already acknowledges other nations' nuclear programs and should apply the same standard to Israel.
- ▪Thirty House Democrats sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling for public acknowledgment of Israel's nuclear weapons program.
- ▪The letter argues that the U.S. cannot credibly oppose Iran's potential nuclear ambitions while ignoring its ally Israel's own undeclared nuclear arsenal.
- ▪Israeli officials, including former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, have previously made statements implying Israel's nuclear capabilities.
- ▪U.S. officials, including Robert Gates, have at times indirectly acknowledged Israel's nuclear status in public statements.
- ▪The lawmakers warn that continued ambiguity undermines nuclear nonproliferation efforts, especially as Saudi Arabia has indicated it may pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does.
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Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, listens as Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington DC on 23 April 2026. Photograph: ABACA/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenMarco Rubio, the US secretary of state, listens as Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington DC on 23 April 2026. Photograph: ABACA/ShutterstockDemocratsDemocrats urge Rubio to acknowledge Israel possesses nuclear weapons amid Iran warLetter from House Democrats to secretary of state calls for end to ambiguity over Israel’s nuclear weapons programsChris SteinTue 5 May 2026 13.11 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 13.12 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleHouse Democrats have asked secretary of state Marco Rubio to publicly announce that…
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