Israel becomes CERN nuclear group member

Israel's cabinet on Sunday announced it had approved the country's membership in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, becoming the research group's first non-European delegation.

"Israel is joining an exclusive club, which provides unusual visibility, exposure, prestige and international status," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in announcing the cabinet decision.

He said membership in the organisation, known as CERN, reflected the "capabilities of Israeli scientists and constitutes recognition of their ability."

Israel had previously held special observer status at the organisation, which is best known for its "atom-smasher," the so-called Large Hadron Collider which is installed in a tunnel straddling the Franco-Swiss border.

Israel first joined the organisation in 1991 as an observer state, and became a special observer state in 2009, gaining the right to attend restricted sessions discussing the Large Hadron Collider.

Israeli media reported that the Jewish state faced several hurdles in its bid to become a member, including French fears that Israeli access to CERN tenders could affect France's hi-tech industry.

Switzerland reportedly expressed initial opposition to Israeli membership, citing Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Israel is expected to become a full member of CERN by 2013, after two years as an associate member.

(c) 2011 AFP