World

JERUSALEM : Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked criticism after referring to the United Kingdom as the “Islamic republic of Britain” and saying it could be the “first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons.” Netanyahu made the comments during an interview on the Israeli podcast Melech Blitzer Haim while discussing British media coverage of Israel. Praising journalist Randolph Churchill, son of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill “Go find that in today’s Britain, in what is called the Islamic republic of Britain.” Netanyahu said “Someone said the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic republic of Britain.” Netanyahu then referred to Iran, saying Israel is “making sure there won’t be another one here, in Iran,” according to translated comments reported by Israeli media. UK Government Condemns Remarks The UK government strongly rejected Netanyahu’s comments. A UK government spokesperson said: “These comments are completely unacceptable and we have raised them with the Israeli government.” British Jewish leaders also distanced themselves from Netanyahu’s remarks. Rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Lev, co-leaders of the Movement for Progressive Judaism, said: “Prime Minister Netanyahu does not speak for British Jews. His words do not represent us.” They described the language as “dangerous and irresponsible”, particularly at a time when concerns over anti-Muslim hatred and social tensions remain high in Britain. Gavin Barwell, a former chief of staff to former UK Prime Minister Theresa May, described Netanyahu’s comments as “blatant Islamophobia.” Rodwan Abouharb, an associate professor of international relations at University College London, called the remarks a “new low” in relations between Britain and Israel. UK-Israel Tensions Netanyahu’s remarks come as relations between the UK and Israel remain strained. The British government has taken several steps critical of Israel's policies, including pausing free trade talks, suspending some arms export licences and imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers. The UK also recognized a Palestinian state in 2025, along with France and Canada. In July 2026, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham apologized for Labour's earlier response to Israel's military actions in Gaza. He said the party “didn’t get it right” and promised to “do more to put pressure on the Israeli government.” Criticism Inside Israel Netanyahu also faced criticism at home over the comments. Avi Dabush, who is running for the Knesset with Israel's opposition Democrats party, accused the prime minister of mocking an important ally at a time when Israel is facing growing international criticism. “That’s what happens when there’s a horrific diplomatic failure, and an inability to rally countries in the world in favour of our interests,” Dabush said in a social media post. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office did not immediately respond to questions about whether Netanyahu's remarks represented the official position of the Israeli government.