In Unprecedent Move, White House Backs UN Resolution For Nuclear Free Middle East That Targets Israel

The AFP reports on "Washington's unprecedented backing for a UN resolution for a nuclear-free Middle East that singles out Israel has both angered and deeply worried the Jewish state although officials are cagey about openly criticising their biggest ally. The resolution adopted by the United Nations on Friday calls on Israel to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and urges it to open its facilities to inspection. It also calls for a regional conference in 2012 to advance the goal of a nuclear-free Middle East. Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear power in the Middle East, with around 200 warheads, but has maintained a policy of deliberate ambiguity about its capabilities since the mid-1960s. The document, which singles out Israel but makes no mention of Iran's controversial nuclear programme, drew a furious reaction from the Jewish state who decried it as 'deeply flawed and hypocritical.' But it was US backing for the resolution which has caused the most consternation among Israeli officials and commentators, who interpreted the move as 'a resounding slap around the face' which has dealt a very public blow to Israel's long-accepted policy of nuclear ambiguity." Tweet