Israel to maintain ambiguity over its nuclear programme

Israel plans to maintain its policy of ambiguity, with US backing, over its nuclear policy, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said.

Israel plans to maintain its policy of ambiguity, with US backing, over its nuclear policy, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said.

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"This policy of ambiguity constitutes one of the pillars of Israeli national security and the Americans consider it very important," Ayalon said.

"There is no reason for the Americans to change their approach or for Israel to change its position," he said.

For the past four decades, Israeli governments have insisted the Jewish state will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons in the Middle East.

But foreign military experts believe Israel has an arsenal of 200 nuclear bombs.

Ayalon's comments came ahead of next week's nuclear security summit in Washington.