Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made controversial comments during an interview with Israel’s army radio, describing the UK as the “Islamic republic of Britain” and calling it “the first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon.” The remarks drew comparisons to statements made by US Vice President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential campaign expressing similar characterizations about the UK’s Muslim population.
Netanyahu’s comments occurred amid increasingly strained relations between the UK and Israel. The British government responded through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, stating the remarks were “completely unacceptable” and confirming that officials had raised the matter with the Israeli government. The Prime Minister’s Office did not provide a response regarding whether Netanyahu’s statement reflected official Israeli government policy.
The statements sparked criticism from multiple quarters. Avi Dabush, an opposition candidate running for the Knesset with Israel’s Democrats party, characterized the remarks as damaging diplomatic language at a time when Israel faces what he described as “unprecedented global isolation.” Separately, observers noted that Netanyahu’s comments invoked what they characterized as a far-right rhetorical pattern regarding Britain’s Muslim population.
The exchange reflected broader tensions in UK-Israel relations. Weeks earlier, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham had signaled a shift in approach toward the Middle East, pledging increased pressure on the Israeli government through potential additional sanctions and possible trade restrictions on goods from illegal settlements. Burnham had also apologized for Labour’s initial response to military operations in Gaza, stating the party “didn’t get it right” previously.
Meanwhile, Muslim leaders in the UK reported rising hate crimes targeting their community, which they attributed to increased far-right rhetoric and growing support for anti-immigrant political movements. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has previously been targeted by racialised attacks from international far-right figures, including Donald Trump.
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