30 House Democrats Urge State Department To Confirm Israel's Nuclear Weapons

The four-page letter states that many countries involved in the current conflict in the Middle East, including the United States, the UK, Russia, China and Pakistan, are nuclear-weapon states. It argues that Congress has a constitutional responsibility to be fully informed about the nuclear balance in the region, the risk of escalation, and the administration's planning for such scenarios.

The letter was organized by Texas Democratic Rep. Joaquin Castro. It places the request in the context of the ongoing war between Israel, the United States and Iran, which began over concerns that Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon. "The risks of miscalculation, escalation, and nuclear use in this environment are not theoretical.

officials from both parties have declined to confirm or discuss Israel's nuclear capabilities when asked. The letter asks specifically what nuclear weapons capability Israel has, details of its uranium enrichment activities, and the doctrine that would guide any use of nuclear weapons.

It also inquires about restrictions placed on Undersecretary of State for Arms Control Thomas G. DiNanno in answering questions on the topic and what guidance the department provides to employees regarding discussion of Israeli nuclear weapons.

Recent Congressional Exchange In March, Rep.

Castro questioned DiNanno during a House hearing. DiNanno declined to answer whether Israel has nuclear weapons and said the matter was outside his purview as arms control undersecretary. The letter recounts that exchange and asks what specific restrictions prevent DiNanno from answering such questions.

One concern cited by officials involves scenarios with high Israeli civilian casualties from conventional attacks. "This is something that people did not dare do before," Cohen said.