UK criticises Netanyahu over ‘Islamic republic of Britain’ comment

Britain rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for branding the country an "Islamic republic" in an interview, dismissing the remarks as "completely unacceptable." The controversy erupted after Netanyahu made the comment in an army radio podcast, criticizing the UK's stance on Israel. The Israeli leader's remarks drew parallels to far-right claims in Western countries that parts of Britain have become subject to Islamic law due to immigration, sparking accusations of Islamophobia.

A UK government spokesperson expressed strong condemnation, stating that such comments were unacceptable and were brought to the attention of the Israeli government. In the podcast, Netanyahu referenced Winston Churchill's grandson and namesake, who supported Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and joked about the potential for Britain to become the "first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons."

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer attempted to downplay Netanyahu's comments, suggesting that they were a quote from a third party and referring to a similar claim made by US Vice-President Kamala Harris in 2024. Netanyahu's comments come at a time when Britain has recognized Palestinian statehood, infuriating Israel, and when the new UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has called for more pressure on Israel to cease its operations in Gaza.