Tel Aviv – Israel added its voice Monday to the growing chorus of concern about North Korea’s nuclear test, noting the “negative implications” the test would have on denuclearization efforts in the Middle East.

“Israel views the second North Korean nuclear test with extreme gravity,” read a statement from the Israeli foreign ministry.

The statement went on to note the “negative implications” North Korea’s test would have on the Middle East. Israel and other Middle Eastern nations are concerned about Iran’s attempts to gain nuclear expertise, despite Iran’s assertions that its nuclear programmes are strictly peaceful.

“Israel expects the international community to respond decisively to the nuclear detonation by North Korea, so as to transmit an unambiguous message to other countries,” continued the statement. (dpa)