Israel joins condemnation of North Korea nuclear test

Said that a clear message must be sent to countries that such activities are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated

Israel, the Middle East's sole but undeclared nuclear power has joined international condemnation of last week's North Korean nuclear test.

"Israel condemns North Korea's nuclear test and joins the international community in expressing concern of the danger that this act poses regional stability and international peace and security," a foreign ministry statement said yesterday.

"A clear message must be sent (to North Korea) and to other countries that such activities are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated."

Israel refuses to confirm or deny it has such weapons or to sign up to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but foreign military sources say it has between 100 and 200 warheads and missiles capable of delivering them.
 
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried in vain to block a July deal with world powers on scaling down Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, arguing it would not stop Tehran from developing an atomic weapon.

Israel reserves the right to use force to stop the Islamic republic from getting nuclear arms if it deems that as necessary.