The North Korean flag. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The Israeli government has condemned North Korea latest nuclear test and urged the international community to take action against the “grave danger” this act poses for international stability.

“These actions by the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), in violation of its international obligations, must be met with a swift response by the international community,” an Israeli Foreign Ministry statement read.

“A clear message must be sent to DPRK and to other countries that such activities are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” the statement added.

Israel is concerned that Iran will be observing the international community’s reaction to North Korea’s latest provocation. Despite a number of international sanctions and United Nations resolutions levied against North Korea, the country has made steady progress on its nuclear weapons program. North Korea first tested a nuclear device in 2006 and again in 2009. It is unclear if North Korea’s latest effort exceeded the explosive yield of two to six kilotons of the 2009 test, according to the New York Times.

On Monday in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told American Jewish leaders that he believes Iran is getting closer than ever to developing nuclear weapons.

While there is no direct evidence Iran and North Korea cooperate on their nuclear programs, they have worked together on their ballistic missile programs. One of the West’s chief fears with North Korea and Iran is that they would develop the technology to shrink a nuclear weapon down small enough to fit onto a ballistic missile.