live Three civilians injured by Ukrainian attack on southern Russian city | Russia-Ukraine conflictHomeWorld NewsIsrael not Iran is major nuclear threat in Middle East – professorBenjamin Netanyahu pushed West Jerusalem into a conflict his country’s military cannot sustain, Theodore Postol told has RTPublished 13 Jun, 2026 14:49 | Updated 13 Jun, 2026 15:01Israel not Iran is major nuclear threat in Middle East – professorIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. © Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesThe major nuclear danger facing the Middle East originates not from Iran but from Israel, Professor Theodore Postol, a former Science and Policy Adviser on Strategic Nuclear Issues to the Chief of Naval Operations, has told RT. The expert warned that the leadership in West Jerusalem had placed the Jewish state on an increasingly perilous course.Israel is widely believed to possess an undeclared nuclear arsenal, although authorities in West Jerusalem have consistently refused to either confirm or deny the allegations. The issue of Iran’s nuclear program has served as the justification for launching strikes against Iran earlier this year.“Do not think Iran is the big nuclear threat, is the big nuclear instability in the Middle East, Israel is,” the prominent MIT physicist said during an interview with Going Underground host Afshin Rattansi, which aired on Friday.Trump threatens Netanyahu with withdrawal of support – AxiosREAD MORE: Trump threatens Netanyahu with withdrawal of support – AxiosPostol noted that Israel’s leadership pushed the country into a situation where even its own military commanders are warning that their forces are “on the ropes” and have reached the limits of what they can do.Citing reports, the former strategic adviser to Pentagon said that Israeli military leaders have told PM Benjamin Netanyahu that they “cannot do any more,” adding that the country is suffering heavy troop losses.Postol said he found Trump’s apparent fear of nuclear weapons somewhat reassuring, describing it as a positive trait. The expert said that Trump is “extremely horrified and afraid of nuclear weapons, which is good,” adding that he believes the head of state would be warned that any decision to use such capabilities would “open a box that none of us want to see opened.”See the full interview belowYou can share this story on social media:RTBenjamin NetanyahuDonald TrumpIranIsraelNuclear weaponsUSPlease check our commenting policy. If you have questions or suggestions feel free to send them to feedback@rttv.ru.Show commentsProf. Theodore Postol explains why Israel could use nuclear weapons in the war on IranBrahMos ready to supply supersonic cruise missiles to Russian militaryUS rules-based order losing credibility, says Palki SharmaTulsi Gabbard releases proof of US biolabs in UkraineAnthropic suspends access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5Russia owes Armenia nothing after its pro-EU parliamentary election turnsocialTop storiesWorld’s tallest building lit up in Russian flag colors (VIDEO)World’s tallest building lit up in Russian flag colors (VIDEO)Charlie Kirk murder suspect seeks to block death penalty bidAt least one person killed and 11 wounded in Texas shooting spree (VIDEO)US justifies sanctions against Cuba with ‘crude lies’ – HavanaPalestine Action activists sentenced as terroristsGeorgia clashes with EU over Russia sanctions and visa-free travel (VIDEO) ExclusiveRT FeaturesMirra Andreeva: ‘My demons tried to get in my way’Mirra Andreeva: ‘My demons tried to get in my way’ FEATURE‘Everyone lost’: Russian experts break down Armenia’s election shockwaves‘Everyone lost’: Russian experts break down Armenia’s election shockwaves FEATUREFrom Zanzibar to St. Petersburg: The 130-year history of Russia-Tanzania tiesFrom Zanzibar to St. Petersburg: The 130-year history of Russia-Tanzania ties FEATURESubscribe to RT newsletter to get news highlights of the day right in your mailboxE-mailWe offer you the possibility to receive RT's news highlights every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by email.SubscribePodcastsAll podcastsالعربيةespрусdefrrsRT News AppLiveApplicationsWhere to watchScheduleSponsored contentTerms of UsePrivacy policyAbout RTRT Promo: Hall of FameContact infoFeedback & ComplaintsVacancies© Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “TV-Novosti”, 2005–2026. All rights reserved.Add to home screen