US President Trump has said that Saudi Arabia will be required to normalise relations with Israel as a condition of the newly announced deal allowing the Gulf kingdom to establish a civilian nuclear programme.
Just hours earlier, Washington had confirmed that it had agreed to provide technology and expertise to help the Saudi build atomic energy infrastructure.
The historic deal also reportedly leaves an open question as to whether Washington would allow Riyadh to engage in uranium enrichment domestically, assisted by American firms, though Trump has denied this.
As such, the announcement has raised concern in Israel, with some claiming it could open an avenue for the Kingdom to proliferate nuclear weapons.
"A nuclear agreement being concluded with Saudi Arabia while bypassing Israel is a serious strategic failure that endangers our security,” said former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, per Reuters.
"The enrichment of nuclear fuel on Saudi territory could lead to a regional nuclear race and a dangerous loss of control.”
"Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear programme will end with the creation of nuclear weapons and lead to a mad arms race throughout the Middle East,” added ex-Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
But, shortly after the backlash from Jerusalem emerged, Trump confirmed that he would require Riyadh to sign the Abraham Accords before any enrichment could begin.
The Accords are a series of diplomatic agreements between Israel and several Arab states, first announced in 2020 and championed by Trump, which see the Jewish State’s neighbours recognise its status as a legitimate nation and establish diplomatic relations.
“The Civil Nuclear Deal (There will be no enrichment of material!)... which pertains only to non-military use... will be approved, but is totally subject to Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords,” the president posted on Truth Social.
This was welcomed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, who said Saudi Arabia’s signature “would be an historic leap forward for peace in the Middle East”.
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