Netanyahu ‘Supports’ Nuclear Test Ban, But Insists Israel Won’t Ratify It

Following a meeting with the head of the body responsible for implementing the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement declaring Israel to support the goals and purposes of the treaty.

At the same time, Netanyahu’s office insisted that Israel had no intention of ratifying the treaty, adding to the long list of UN nuclear bodies that Israel likes the idea of having throw their weight around, but which Israel remains out of.

Israel is one of eight nations that haven’t ratified the CTBT, which includes six nations with nuclear weapons. In addition to Israel, the US, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea have not ratified the treaty. Iran and Egypt, both non-nuclear powers, have also held off on ratification, though largely seem to be waiting for one another to do it first.

Treaty officials downplayed Netanyahu’s comments about not ratifying the treaty, saying they believe Israel’s ratification is a “when, rather than if” question, and that the treaty body just needs to get the situation in place for Israel to sign off on it.