Israel Intensifies Construction at Dimona Nuclear Site

Satellite imagery reveals intensified construction at Israel's Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Centre near Dimona, sparking renewed concerns about the country's suspected nuclear weapons program. Experts analyzing the images are divided on whether the new structure is a heavy water reactor, capable of producing plutonium, or a facility for assembling nuclear arms, though all agree it is related to Israel's nuclear activities given the site's history and secrecy. This development follows joint Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, including a heavy water reactor at Arak, heightening regional tensions over nuclear proliferation. Israel's policy of nuclear ambiguity and non-membership in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty leaves the program largely uninspected and shrouded in secrecy. International observers express concern that the construction could intensify criticism of Israel’s nuclear stance, especially amid ongoing regional conflicts. Jeffrey Lewis, a leading nonproliferation expert, emphasized that the structure is likely a reactor but acknowledged the uncertainty due to the early construction stage.