The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East
Explanation of vote by Mr. Meir Itzchaki, 
Representative of Israel to the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva


Mr. Chairman,

The current situation vis-à-vis nuclear proliferation in the Middle East warrants the question whether document L.2 entitled “The Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East” has any connection with reality. Apart from its blatant one-sidedness and lack of factual foundation, this document undermines rather than enhances confidence between the states of the region.

There is no doubt that a risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East indeed exists. Our region faces growing threats stemming from the non-compliance by some states with their international obligations, This is particularly true of Iran's ongoing clandestine activities in the nuclear sphere and its total disregard to IAEA and UNSC resolutions. Our region also suffers from the irresponsible behavior of some states out of the region  who continue to export missiles and WMD-related technology to countries of the region.

Mr. Chairman,

Israel expects that under the title of risk of nuclear non proliferation in the Middle East, the international community would call at minimum for compliance by states in the region with their relevant international obligations .Lamentably, this resolution chooses to ignore relevant IAEA and UNSC resolutions and the evidence contained in relevant reports regarding such violations. 

This resolution focuses entirely on Israel and singles it out. It does so, while overlooking the profound hostility of states in the region towards Israel, their refusal to reconciliate while explicitly making threats at my country. 


Mr. Chairman,

Adopting such a resolution will not serve the greater objective of curbing proliferation in the Middle East but rather compromise it. Nor will this resolution contribute to the role and standing of this body. The First Committee should not, once again, become a venue for political discrimination. 

We call upon the distinguished delegates to vote against this resolution and distance themselves from attempts to deviate the focus from addressing the real risks of nuclear proliferation in the middle east thus  deteriorate the credibility of this UN body.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.