Purpose This paper aims to examine the regional dynamics that further consolidated Israel’s national security in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, reflecting upon the nuclear challenge between Iran and Israel and Iran's expanding activities in the region. Design/methodology/approach To prove the central argument, the study uses a conceptual framework that centers on deterrence as the main approach used by states to consolidate their influence in the Middle East region. Findings Iran's nuclear progress and influence in the region has strengthened Israel’s security and fostered an unprecedented open rapprochement led by USA efforts with the Gulf regimes. Originality/value The paper draws particular attention to the Iran–Israel nuclear competency, and the Israeli preferred policy options regarding Iranian activities in the region amid turbulent Middle East. In addition, the paper offers insight to the regional dynamics that further consolidated Israel’s national security in the region while maintaining a status of Arab vulnerability and backwardness.

A questionnaire was designed, implemented, and analyzed, using a job exposure matrix format, to profile jobs in the Pipeline Division of a natural gas company with respect to possible hazardous exposures. The categories of chemical, physical, ergonomic, biological, and psychological hazards were surveyed. The first stage was to formulate and confirm a list of hazardous agents extant within the Pipeline Operations. This was done by making on-site observations and interviewing safety supervisors and workers, as well as by exploring the literature on the natural gas industry. The second stage of the project entailed the collection of data about whether a particular hazardous agent was present at a location, and if so, which workers were exposure to it, and at what intensity and frequency they were exposed. This assessment was made by groups identified as expert assessors, senior workers who were familiar with the processes and range of job titles at their locations. These experienced workers rated all job titles for workers at that site. The final stage of the project was to critically examine and validate the data collected. Three analyses were performed. The first was a comparison of the assessments with known outcomes of the medical surveillance testing that was completed in 1995. Secondly, the agreement between the assessments done by the expert assessor group, and a rating done by the jobholder, was examined. Finally, consideration was given to the sureness expressed by each of the rating groups about the analysis they had provided.

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