This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

30 January 2006
The Arab Nuclear Energy Organization releases a report detailing alleged possible hazards facing Israel and neighboring Arab states because of Israel's nuclear power plants. Of major concern are allegations that nuclear waste may be being buried, seriously polluting air, water and soil. According to the report, subterranean water reserves are particularly susceptible to pollution, and could cause a major problem as they provide most of the potable water for the region.
--"Nuclear-Israel-Report," Islamic Republic News Agency, 30 January 2006.

March 2006
Newly declassified documents reveal how Britain aided Israel in its development of nuclear weapons. In addition to the 20 tons of heavy water that were recently revealed to have been sold by Britain to Israel in 1959 and 1960, it is now clear that Britain also supplied Israel with a number of other vital materials during the 1950s and 1960s that sped up the process allowing it to develop nuclear weapons. Some of these materials include uranium-235, beryllium and lithium-6, which are used in making atom and even hydrogen bombs. It appears from the declassified documents that neither then Prime Minister Harold Wilson nor technology minister in 1966 Tony Benn had any knowledge of the sales. Upon learning of the secret deals Tony Benn said, "I'm not only surprised, I'm shocked. It never occurred to me that [civil servants] would authorize something so against the policy of the government." It is also reported that Michael Israel Michaels, a senior official at the science ministry during this period, played a key role in pushing through some of these sales. Despite intelligence to the contrary, Michaels continued to protest Israel's innocence regarding its nuclear weapons program. Mr. Michaels was Britain's representative at the IAEA, and was invited to Israel to inspect their nuclear facilities in 1961. It seems that Michaels' trip was part of a disinformation campaign to give the impression that everything was "above board" in Israel. In 1966, the Ministry of Defense strongly objected to a request by the UK atomic energy authority to export 10 milligrams of plutonium to Israel, arguing that the sale might have "significant military value." It is reported that Mr. Michaels disagreed and eventually pushed the sale through, despite clear indications that he was aware that such a sale could save Israel months in developing nuclear weapons.
--Meirion Jones, "Secret Sale of UK plutonium to Israel," BBC, 10 March 2006; Meirion Jones, "Britain's dirty secret," New Statesman, 13 March 2006.

1 March 2006
Syria accuses Israel of dumping nuclear waste on the Golan Heights. Syrian ambassador Bashar Ja'afari stated that, "Israel, which has unambiguous support from major nuclear weapon states, continues to reject the will of the international community and dumps its nuclear waste in the Syrian Golan Heights." In response, the Israeli representative Itzhak Levanon called the information, "repetitive [and] inaccurate." He went on the say, "This issue was raised by the Syrians during the Commission on Human Rights and I refuted it completely, and I am refuting it now."
--"Syria Accuses Israel of Nuclear Dumping," ISN Security Watch, 1 March 2006.

12 March 2006
Syrian authorities call for a WMD-free zone in the Middle East. Syrian Foreign Minister Waleed al-Mualeem told journalists, "We call on all Middle East nations, among them Israel, to join NPT [Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons]. We insist on 'double standards' being renounced. We propose creating a zone in the Middle East that would be free of nuclear, biological and other kinds of weapons." However, according to the FM, Syria continues to support the existence of peaceful nuclear programs in the region.
--"Syria Calls on Middle East Countries, Including Israel, to Join Non-Proliferation Treaty," Moscow Interfax, in FBIS Document CEP20060312002002, 12 March 2006.

30 March 2006
The Arab League Summit Council calls for a region free from weapons of mass destruction. As part of the final statement at the 18th regular session of the Arab League Summit Council Arab leaders called on "the international community to declare the Middle East a region free from weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, in order to boost international peace and security." They also urged "the international community to require Israel to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and bring its entire program within the scope of IAEA safeguards."
--"Sudan: Khartoum Arab Summit Final Statement," Al-Quds Al-'Arabi, in FBIS Document GMP20060330735001, 30 March 2006.

12 April 2006
The World Muslim Congress calls on the West to adopt a more equitable approach to Iran and other countries' nuclear programs. World Muslim Congress Secretary-General Mohammed Raja Zafarul Haq pointed out that "Not a single voice has been raised about Israel's nuclear arms stockpile while on the other hand continuous pressure is being exerted on the Islamic republic of Iran." He also stated that a "Selective approach has always led to complications. Therefore, the West should follow an even-handed policy to make the world peaceful." The Congress' Secretary-General went on to make it clear that in his opinion Israel's policies and weapons pose a constant threat to the Middle East.
--"IRNA: World Muslim Congress Chief Urges 'Even-handed' Approach on Nuclear Issue," Islamic Republic News Agency, in FBIS Document IAP20060412011034, 12 April 2006.

19 April 2006
In the second Saudi-British conference, "Two Kingdoms: Friendship and Partnership" in Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal speaks about the two nations' desire that the Middle East be a region free of weapons of mass destruction. Prince Saud Al-Faisal also stated that, "If the international community is attempting to convince Iran not to develop nuclear arms, this should apply to Israel as well." He went on to say, "we are in agreement as to the right of any nation to seek nuclear technology for civilian use under customary international supervision. Under all circumstances, we believe in this country that the current crisis should be resolved through peaceful negotiations."
--"Saudi, British foreign Ministers Open 'Two Kingdoms' Conference," Saudi Press Agency, in FBIS Document GMP20060419706002, 19 April 2006.

21 April 2006
Israeli authorities extend the international travel ban an additional year for whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu. Vanunu had hoped that new Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert would reconsider the travel ban restricting him from traveling outside of Israel. He also believes that "European governments could do more to persuade Israel to allow him to leave. Israel maintains, however, that Vanunu still possesses sensitive security related information." Vanunu is also scheduled to appear in court on May 1 on charges that he spoke to foreign media and violated the terms of his release from prison in April 2004.
--"Vanunu Travel Ban Extended by One Year," Global Security Newswire, 21 April 2006.

27 April 2006
Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni meets with a delegation from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to discuss export controls on nuclear materials and the strengthening of ties between the NSG and the Israeli government. Also included in the talks are the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, and the Israel Atomic Energy Commission.
--"Livni Tells Visiting NSG Group Israel 'Reliable' Counterproliferation Partner," Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 27 April 2006, in Open Source Center Document GMP20060428614002.

28 April 2006
The United Nations Disarmament Commission elects Israel as vice-chair alongside Belarus, Poland, and Austria.
--"Disarmament Commission Integral Part of Global Disarmament Efforts, Says New Chairman at 2006 Organizational Session Substantive Session at Headquarters 10-28 April," United Nations General Assembly, 10 April 2006; Edith M. Lederer, "Iran Denounces Israel Election to UN Panel," Associated Press, 28 April 2006.

3 May 2006
A report of a classified Israeli document claims that if Iran succeeds in creating a nuclear weapon, it could cause a domino effect with other Middle Eastern countries following suit.
--Alon Ben David, "Israel Outlines Defence Doctrine," Jane's Defence Weekly, 3 May 2006.

19 May 2006
The Israeli government opposes a new treaty put forth by the United States at the UN Disarmament Commission that would halt the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons. Israeli officials have worried that it could threaten their opaque nuclear policy.
--Aluf Ben, "Israel, US 'At Odds' on Nuke Treaty Proposal; Olmert Asked Not to Raise Issue," Ha'aretz, 19 May 2006, in Open Source Document GMP20060519613004.

23 May 2006
France's nuclear laboratory (GANIL) and Israel sign a memorandum of understanding regarding collaboration in the field of nuclear research and the building of a new accelerator at the Soreq Nuclear Research Center in Israel.
--"Israeli Nuclear Research Center, French GANIL Sign Accelerator Construction MOU," Israel Atomic Energy Commission, 7 June 2006 in Open Source Center Document GMP20060607614007.

June 2006
A new article by William Burr and Avner Cohen, an expert on the Israeli nuclear program, is published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. The article, titled "Israel Crosses the Threshold," examines the National Security Study Memorandum 40 (NSSM 40), which was initiated to provide President Nixon with policy options and information regarding Israel's budding nuclear weapons program in 1969. The authors discuss the evolution of policy stances in Nixon's administration, particularly the early position that Israel's possession of nuclear weapons would "not be in the United States' interests and should, if at all possible, be stopped." Also addressed is the development of the Nixon-Meir agreement, allowing Israel to retain its nuclear program as long as it remained fully concealed from the international community. Surprisingly, President Nixon did not reveal the contents of his meeting with Prime Minister Golda Meir to his National Security Advisor, Henry Kissinger.
--Avner Cohen and William Burr, "Israel Crosses the Threshold," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, May/June 2006, p. 22-30.

1 June 2006
Hans Blix, the head of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, states that Israel is "assumed to have 200 nuclear weapons." He also says a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East could be created if countries in the area gave up their nuclear weapons programs.
--J.T. Nguyen, "Roundup: Blix Says Israel 'Assumed' to Have 200 Nuclear Weapons," Deutsche Press- Agentur, 1 June 2006.

August 2006
The German defense ministry confirms the sale of two Dolphin-class submarines manufactured by ThyssenKrupp AG subsidiary to Israel. The defense ministry claims that these submarines are not equipped to carry nuclear weapons. However, Jane's Defense Weekly asserts that they do have the capability to launch cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads, which would provide Israel with crucial second-strike capabilities. The new Dolphin-class submarines also have a range of 4500 kilometers, which exceeds that of all other submarines currently in the Israeli fleet.
--"Israeli Navy Buys Two Nuclear-Capable Submarines From Germany," Jerusalem Post, in FBIS Document GMP20060823738004, 23 August 2006; Ramit Plushnick-Masti, "Israel buys 2 nuclear-capable submarines," Associated Press, 25 August 2006; "Germany confirms sale of two ThyssenKrupp submarines to Israel," AFX News, 25 August 2006.

30 August 2006
Egyptian newspaper Al-Misriyun alleges that Israeli physicist William Cliff disclosed that the Nahal Zureg nuclear reactor had a leak 20 days ago. Allegedly the leak was temporarily stopped by the efforts of the reactor's staff.
--Husayn Awdah, "Israel has kept a secret the leak at the Nahal Surik nuclear reactor 20 days ago," Al-Misriyun, in FBIS Document GMP20060830035002, 30 August 2006.

30 August 2006
An Israeli study reveals that cancer morbidity rate among employees at the Nuclear Research Center (NRC) is no higher than among the general population. Professor Manfred Green, a member of Tel Aviv University's Faculty of Medicine, was quoted as saying, "The results of the study do not indicate a connection between cancer morbidity among the workers at the nuclear reactor and their workplace." Professor Green headed the study which was conducted by the Israeli Health Ministry's National Center for Disease Control.
--Dorit Gabay, "Working at Reactor Does not Increase Cancer Risk," Ma'ariv, in FBIS Document GMP20060830741002, 30 August 2006.

September 2006
The IAEA passes a resolution requesting the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East. Israel and the United States were the only countries that voted against the resolution; however, three other countries did abstain from voting. There was also a motion proposed calling on Israel to dismantle its nuclear arsenal that was not passed.
--"US following pro-Israel policy," BBC, 23 September 2006; "Israel-Nuclear-Iran," United Press International, 24 September 2006.

24 September 2006
The IAEA rejects a resolution calling for Israel to join the NPT. The resolution was proposed by the Arab states, Iran and Indonesia, but failed to pass amid opposition from Western states. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini stated that "the move encouraged disregard for the principles and regulations of nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty."
--"Spokesman Regrets Disapproval of Resolution on 'Zionist Regime's Nuclear Threats," Islamic Republic News Agency, in FBIS Document IAP20060924950033, 24 September 2006.

27 September 2006
The United States Government Accountability Office's Natural Resource and Environment Director Gene Aloise said in a testimony given to a House Government Reform subcommittee that there are several weaknesses that face the IAEA. Among these weaknesses is the fact that the IAEA "has poor access to India, Israel, North Korea, and Pakistan, all nations that are outside the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty regime while believed to possess nuclear weapons."
--"Nonproliferation Regime Needs Help, GAO Finds," Global Security Newswire, 27 September 2006.

21 October 2006
In statements made to the UN First Committee of Disarmament and International Security, the UAE calls on the United Nations to put pressure on Israel to make it cooperate with the IAEA and open up its nuclear weapons arsenals in an effort to reduce the tensions felt throughout the Middle East.
--"Israel must open its nuclear programme for IAEA inspection: UAE," Emirates News Agency, 21 October 2006.

07 December 2006
US Defense Secretary-designate Robert Gates declares that Israel has nuclear weapons. The statement was made in reference to Iran's desire to obtain nuclear weapons for deterrence purposes because it is surrounded by countries that posses nuclear arms; Pakistan, India, Russia, Israel and US troops in the Persian Gulf. In response, Israel's Vice Premier Shimon Peres stated that Israel has never confirmed its possession of nuclear weapons, relying instead on the ambiguity of its nuclear weapons program to create deterrence.
--"Ministers Say Israel Should Uphold Nuclear 'Ambiguity' Despite Gates' Disclosure," Voice of Israel Network B, In OSC Document GMP200612077380001, 07 December 2006.

12 December 2006
In an interview with a German television station Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert violates Israel's longstanding policy of nuclear ambiguity. He said, "Iran openly, explicitly and publicly threatens to wipe Israel off the map. Can you say that this is the same level, when you are aspiring to have nuclear weapons as America, France, Israel, Russia?" The apparent breech of Israel's policy of nuclear ambiguity has led to widespread criticism by political opponents. In response to the criticism Miri Eisin, Olmert's spokeswoman, said that the prime minister had not been listing nuclear states, but rather "responsible nations." Olmert himself has responded by reiterating that Israel will not be the first country to introduce nuclear weapons to the Middle East.
--Matti Friedman, "Nuclear slip by Olmert sets off domestic political crisis," Associated Press, 12 December 2006.

28 December 2006
Israel signs the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. The convention deals with the unlawful possession of nuclear devices by non-state actors, and calls for states to investigate alleged offenses, and to arrest, prosecute or extradite offenders. The convention also places emphasis on international cooperation with nuclear terrorism investigations and prosecutions through information-sharing and extradition of detainees.
--"Israel Signs UN Convention Against Nuclear Terrorism," Jerusalem: Ministry of Foreign Affairs E-mail Text, In OSC Document GMP20061228739006, 28 December 2006.

	Updated April 2007