Netanyahu calls Britain the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons

The British government has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s description of the UK as “the Islamic republic of Britain” “completely unacceptable,” Euronews reported.

A UK government spokesperson said the issue had been raised with the Israeli government. Netanyahu made the comments during an army radio podcast interview.

In the interview, Netanyahu praised Randolph Churchill, the son of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, for positive coverage of Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967. “Try and find that now, in what is called the Islamic republic of Britain,” he said.

The podcast host asked: “Isn't all of Europe like that now?” Netanyahu agreed, adding: “Yes, but someone said, 'the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons will be the Islamic republic of Great Britain.'” He continued: “So, we'll make sure there isn't a second one here in Iran.” The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been a nuclear power since 1998.

The comments echo claims made by some politicians and activists on the British and international right that Britain is becoming increasingly influenced by Islam. UK-Israel relations have come under increasing strain in recent months, particularly since Andy Burnham became prime minister.

Before entering Downing Street, Burnham apologised for Labour’s initial response to the war in Gaza and said the party needed to “do better.” He condemned Hamas’s October 7 attacks as “monstrous” and antisemitic incidents in the UK as “appalling,” while saying it was vital to “be clear in our criticism of what has happened in Gaza.”