This paper briefly examines Israel's nuclear weapons policies, capabilities and programmes. It is one paper in a larger series on the nuclear weapon states.
Nuclear weapons at a glance: Israel (523 KB , PDF)
Israel has an official policy of ambiguity with respect to nuclear weapons. It has never confirmed or denied possessing nuclear weapons and has never conducted a nuclear test.
However, it is universally acknowledged that Israel has a nuclear weapons capability which it developed outside the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Along with India and Pakistan, Israel is therefore considered a de facto nuclear weapon state.
Due to its official stance, clarification of Israel’s nuclear policies and capabilities is difficult.
It is estimated to have a nuclear stockpile of approximately 90 warheads; while production of plutonium for weapons purposes is thought to be continuing.
On the basis of unconfirmed reports, Israel could be in possession of the nuclear triad for delivery of its nuclear capability.
Nuclear weapons at a glance: Israel (523 KB , PDF)
The Queen’s Speech in May 2021 announced a new bill to provide the security services with the tools they need to tackle the threat from hostile activity by states. The Government subsequently published a consultation on proposals for legislation to counter state threats which closed in July 2021. This briefing paper examines the background to these proposals and concerns about the implications for press freedom.
A Westminster Hall debate on the 'Impact on Anglo-Chinese relations following the AUKUS pact' has been scheduled for Wednesday 20 October 2021 from 9.30-11:00am. The debate has been initiated by Daniel Kawczynski MP.
For the first time since 2013, the UK will not meet the UN target of spending 0.7 percent of Gross National Income (GNI) on Official Development Assistance (ODA). This briefing sets out how UK aid spending compares to previous years, the Government’s objectives for UK aid, and what is known about the spending reduction’s impact on specific aid and humanitarian programmes and on countries.
