Does Israel have nuclear weapons? Does Iran have nuclear weapons? What is Iran’s nuclear programme? What would happen if nuclear weapons were used? Should I be worried about nuclear war in the Middle East? Can the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons play a role in the Middle East crisis?

Does Israel have nuclear weapons?

Answer

Yes. Israel is estimated to have around 90 nuclear weapons. As the country refuses to confirm or deny it has such weapons, little is known about its arsenal, but experts believe it can launch nuclear weapons using missiles, submarines and aircraft. Read more about the history of Israel's nuclear weapons and current risks and consequences in our briefing paper.

Israel spent an estimated US$1.2 billion in 2022 on its nuclear arsenal.

Israel may have carried out a nuclear test in collaboration with Apartheid South Africa in 1979 over the ocean between southern Africa and Antarctica.