Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made remarks characterizing the United Kingdom as “the Islamic republic of Britain” during an interview with Israel’s army radio, stating it represented “the first Islamic republic to get a nuclear weapon.” His comments invoked a characterization commonly associated with far-right Islamophobic rhetoric regarding Britain’s Muslim population.
Netanyahu’s statement built on earlier comments praising coverage of Israel by journalist Randolph Churchill, son of former UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The radio host did not directly challenge Netanyahu’s characterization but instead asked whether other European nations might be similarly described. Netanyahu responded by affirming his position, citing an unnamed source who had made comparable claims about Britain. Pakistan, which holds the official designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has possessed nuclear capabilities since the 1990s.
Tensions between the UK and Israel have escalated in recent months following Andy Burnham’s assumption of office as prime minister. Before taking the position, Burnham apologized for Labour’s initial response to Israeli military operations in Gaza and pledged to intensify pressure on the Israeli government. In July, he indicated plans to impose additional sanctions on individuals and entities while considering restrictions on trade involving goods from illegal settlements.
US Vice President JD Vance made related comments during the 2024 presidential campaign, describing the UK as potentially becoming the first “truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon.” Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, has also faced racialised attacks from international far-right figures, including former US President Donald Trump, according to characterizations in reporting. Muslim community leaders in the UK have reported escalating hate crimes amid rising far-right rhetoric and growing support for anti-immigrant political movements.
Opposition figures within Israel criticized Netanyahu’s remarks. Avi Dabush, running for the Knesset with Israel’s opposition Democrats party, characterized the comments as damaging to diplomatic relations at a time of global isolation for Israel. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated the comments were “completely unacceptable” and indicated the matter had been raised with the Israeli government. The Prime Minister’s Office did not provide a response regarding whether Netanyahu’s statement reflected official Israeli government position.
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