(ESTIMATED PUB DATE) ISRAELI NUCLEAR ENERGY PROGRAM

Created: 1/5/1962

OCR scan of the original document, errors are possible

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INTELLIGENCE AGENCY. C

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MEMORAIIUUM FOR: Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affaire

Huclear Energy Program

1. The Israeli Atomic Enerfry Coannisaion was established2 under the Office of the Prime Minister with headquarters at Tel Avivaboratory at aehovot. Inconclusion ofIsraeli bilateral agreement for the poaceful uses of atonic energy led to the establishmentesearch center at Habi Rubin (also called Nahalhort distance from both Tel Aviv and Rohovot. Under the terms of this agreement, Israelegawatt swimming pool reactor, which is safeguarded. procedures and cannot contributeuclear weapon program exceptasic research facility. '/

"2. uclear reactor complex is under construction near Dimona in the Negev.

SUBJECT:rs

Ground breaking at the Dimona site took place in Onrime Minister Ben-Ourion stated that construction would not be completedears and the site would be opened to world scientists after completion. Three weeks earlier, Bergman,of the Israeli ABC, had indicated that the reactor would go critical in the latter port Then Prance requiredOntha from start of construction to criticalitydditional months for full power operation. The Indian CIS required U% years from start ofto criticality. All told, it appears that the Dimona reactor could go critical in2 ornd reach full cower operation by3 toU. of course, construction"difficulties could postpone these times.

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Original document.

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