Region | Palestinian Territories
Ex-US president Jimmy Carter says Israel has 150 nuclear weapons
Former United States president Jimmy Carter has revealed that Israel possesses at least 150 atomic weapons
- Agencies
- Published: 10:19 May 27, 2008
- Image Credit: Gulf News archive
- Carter called Israel's treatment of Palestinians "one of the greatest human rights crimes on earth."
London: Former United States president Jimmy Carter has revealed that Israel possesses at least 150 atomic weapons.
Speaking at the Hay-on-Wye literary festival in Wales on Sunday, Carter said, "The US has more than 12,000 nuclear weapons; the Soviet Union (sic) has about the same; Great Britain and France have several hundred, and Israel has 150 or more."
Israel has never confirmed or denied the existence of a nuclear programme, but it is widely believed to own weapons, ever since a former nuclear worker leaked details to the media in the 1980s.
Carter made the comments when questioned about Iran's nuclear programme. He said any newly armed country would have to face great existing threats, and added that the US needs to be careful when dealing with Iran.
The 83-year-old former leader also condemned Israel's treatment of Palestinians as "one of the greatest human rights crimes on earth".
However, he did express his support for the Jewish state, but criticised their foreign and domestic policy.
Carter controversially held taks with Hamas leaders last April in Damascus, and has previously criticised Israel for its Gaza blockade.
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