IAEA Meeting Probably Won’t Feature Anti-Israel Resolution in Strategic Decision

If, as expected, the September 17 meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency fails to include a resolution aimed at singling out Israel and demanding international oversight of its nuclear program, it’s only because those who see the larger picture want Israel on-board as an attendee at a conference slated for later this year whose purpose is to begin the process of making the Middle East a nuclear-weapon-free zone. When the idea was first put forth by Egypt during the Mubarak reign, Israeli security officials were angered that the US supported the idea which Jerusalem sees as a threat to its policy of nuclear ambiguity, which all previous American administrations cooperated in protecting. Secretary of State Clinton signaled an abrupt change in policy when she endorsed the idea in theory, although she said the time was not ripe. Israel’s nuclear ambiguity is the cornerstone of its defense strategy. It has not signed-on to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and is accused by Arab states of being the greatest nuclear threat in the region. The Reuters news agency quoted a Finnish diplomat as warning that it would be counterproductive to the delicate process to single-out Israel for criticism. Even Israel’s foes understand the issue is a non-starter while Iran simultaneously builds its nuclear infrastructure and calls for Israel’s destruction.