UK slams Netanyahu over 'Islamic republic of Britain' remark

Britain rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for describing the nation as an "Islamic republic" in a recent podcast interview, branding the remarks "completely unacceptable." The diplomatic rebuff followed Netanyahu's criticism of the UK's stance on Israel in the podcast, which echoed far-right rhetoric alleging parts of Britain had embraced Islamic law due to immigration, sparking accusations of Islamophobia.

The UK government spokesman stated the comments were "completely unacceptable" and expressed raising them with the Israeli government. In the interview, Netanyahu referenced Winston Churchill's grandson and namesake, who supported Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and jokingly claimed the UK could become the "first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon."

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer downplayed Netanyahu's remarks, suggesting they were based on a quote from US Vice President JD Vance who had made similar comments. The UK's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood and its call for stricter measures against Israeli settlements in the West Bank have strained relations with Israel.

Britain has also distanced itself from the US-Israeli war on Iran launched in February. Netanyahu has consistently vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a stance Israel shares.