Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced questioning from House Democrats during congressional budget hearings about the Trump administration's stance on Israel's nuclear weapons program. Thirty Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Rubio arguing that the United States must publicly acknowledge that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, particularly as Washington collaborates with Israel on military operations against Iran.
The Democrats, led by Texas Representative Joaquin Castro, contend that the continued ambiguity surrounding Israel's nuclear capabilities is unsustainable given current circumstances. "We are, in the fullest sense, fighting this war side by side with a country whose potential nuclear weapons program the United States government officially refuses to acknowledge," the letter states.
The lawmakers emphasized that Congress needs complete information about the nuclear balance in the Middle East and potential risks of escalation. They noted that the Trump administration has not provided adequate details about planning and contingencies related to nuclear scenarios in the region.
Israel has never publicly confirmed its nuclear weapons program, and no U.S. administration has officially acknowledged it, despite substantial evidence of its existence. The program dates back to the 1950s and received assistance from countries including France and apartheid-era South Africa. American presidents have historically avoided discussing the subject directly.
However, several government officials have essentially confirmed Israel's nuclear capabilities. In a 2006 confirmation hearing, then-nominee Robert Gates said Iran was "surrounded by powers with nuclear weapons: Pakistan to their east, the Russians to the north, the Israelis to the west and us in the Persian Gulf." Similarly, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told a German broadcaster that Iran was "aspiring to have nuclear weapons, as America, France, Israel, Russia."
The Democrats pointed out that Israeli officials have occasionally alluded to the weapons. In 2023, Israeli Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu suggested using a nuclear bomb in Gaza was "one of the possibilities" following attacks on October 7.
The Democrats noted that Trump administration officials have refused to discuss the issue publicly. When Representative Castro asked Under Secretary of State Thomas DiNanno about Israel's nuclear capabilities at a March congressional hearing, DiNanno declined to answer.
The lawmakers called for consistent treatment of all nations regarding nuclear weapons transparency. "The United States openly acknowledges the nuclear weapons programs of the United Kingdom, France, India, Pakistan, Russia, China, and North Korea. We ask that Israel be held to the same standard as any other foreign country," the letter reads.
The Democrats also warned that continued ambiguity complicates nuclear nonproliferation efforts in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's crown prince has stated his country would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran develops them, making transparent discussion of Israel's capabilities increasingly important for regional security discussions.