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AROUND THE WORLD 4: Nuclear Weapons in Israel

Nuclear weapons have the potential to cause more devastation than any other weapon on Earth. For this reason, there are many international attempts to prevent some countries from developing nuclear weapons and to reduce the number of nuclear weapons that already exist. Israel, a small nation in the Middle East region, is believed to have developed an extensive stockpile of nuclear weapons. Many people in the international community believe that it is especially important for this country to downsize or eliminate its program.

Last week, Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, met with the leader of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mohamed El-Baradei. The two men discussed the possibility of eventually ending Israel's nuclear weapons program. Many countries have made an agreement with the IAEA stating that they would not produce weapons. Once this agreement is made, however, the IAEA has the right to inspect a country that is suspected of breaking the agreement and producing weapons. Israel is not part of an agreement with the IAEA, but the meeting with Mohamed El-Baradei was a sign that Israel wants to cooperate with the international community on the issue of weapons.

Israel has never actually admitted to having nuclear weapons, although it is widely believed that they may have as many as 200 of them. Israel has been embroiled in conflict with the Palestinian people and with other countries in the Middle East region ever since it was founded in 1948, and many Israelis feel that they must have the freedom to produce these weapons in order to deter other countries from attacking it.

During the meeting, Ariel Sharon acknowledged that getting rid of nuclear weapons would be beneficial to the entire Middle East region. However, he said that two things must happen before Israel agrees to get rid of nuclear weapons. First, he said that there must be an overall sense of peace in the region. That means that the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians must be resolved. Second, he said that Israel must be assured that Iran was not a nuclear threat.

The meeting brought hope and optimism to international community. However, many things must change in order for Mr. Sharon's conditions to be realized.

--Written by Betsy Mesard

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