Netanyahu calls UK an ‘Islamic republic,’ jokes it would be first one with nukes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the United Kingdom as the "first Islamic republic to acquire a nuclear weapon" during a podcast interview, likening Britain to the "Islamic republic of Britain". Netanyahu's comments echoed a far-right Islamophobic narrative, targeting Britain's small Muslim population. The Israeli leader praised positive reporting on Israel by journalist Randolph Churchill, then questioned whether similar positive coverage exists in today's Britain.

Netanyahu's remarks came amid strained UK-Israel relations, particularly following former Foreign Secretary Andy Burnham's criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza. The UK and Israel have been increasingly at odds, with Burnham recently apologising for Labour's response to the conflict. US Vice-President Joe Biden echoed Netanyahu's sentiments in 2024, calling the UK the "first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon".

London's mayor Sadiq Khan has also been a target of racialised attacks by right-wing leaders who seek political gain from Islamophobic rhetoric. Muslim leaders in the UK have reported a surge in hate crimes against their community, coinciding with a rise in far-right rhetoric and support for anti-immigrant political parties. Israel's opposition Knesset member Avi Dabush criticized Netanyahu for mocking a critical ally during a period of unprecedented global isolation for Israel.

Netanyahu's government, the most far-right in Israel's history, has alienated traditional allies while aligning with far-right figures with antisemitic histories. The Israeli government did not respond to questions about whether Netanyahu's statement reflected its official stance, and the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office declined to comment.