Democrats press Trump to break silence on Israel’s nukes

In a letter obtained by The Washington Post, 29 lawmakers led by Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to provide details on Israel’s capabilities – and how the administration is preparing for the risk of nuclear escalation.

The request challenges a long-standing U.S. policy of avoiding public acknowledgment of Israel’s nuclear arsenal.  Lawmakers argue that silence creates a double standard, undercutting U.S. credibility when confronting nuclear ambitions in countries like  Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The push also reflects broader Democratic frustration with Israel’s conflicts across Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and now Iran, deepening divisions inside the party.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, independent estimates suggest Israel holds roughly 90 plutonium-based nuclear warheads. The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation says the country has developed enough material to build between 100 and 200 weapons.