'Landmark' deal ends U.S. stalemate with Israel over nuclear reactor
TEL AVIV — Israel and the United States have signed an agreement on safety at a nuclear reactor in the Negev desert.
Under the accord, the United States would help Israel monitor and
enhance its nuclear reactor at Dimona, Middle East Newsline reported.
Officials said this marked the first
direct U.S. aid for operation at Dimona, which has not come under inspection
by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"This is a landmark accord and was heavily influenced by the U.S.
nuclear agreement with India," an official said.
The Israeli-U.S. agreement, signed by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
chairman Dale Klein and Israel Atomic Energy Commission director Shaul
Horev, would help improve safety at Dimona, established around 1962.
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Egypt
has repeatedly complained of radiation leakage from the plant, said to
produce and maintain Israel's nuclear weapons arsenal.
Under the accord, officials said, the Israel Atomic Energy Commission
would gain access to U.S. nuclear safety technology and methods. They said
the United States would reserve the right to restrict data and technology.
Officials said Israel has sought such an agreement for more than a
decade. But the United States rejected Israel's appeals, citing the Jewish
state's refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The turning point came in 2007 when the Bush administration signed an
accord with India on nuclear cooperation. India has also refused to join
NTP, sparking calls in Congress for the launch of U.S. nuclear cooperation
with Israel as well.
